Joseph Reagan Akena emerged as the frontrunner after the third day of the 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Golf Open, currently underway at the Entebbe Golf Club.
Akena, a 19-year-old golfer from Lugazi Hills Country Club, took the lead with a total score of 217 strokes, edging out competition by a single stroke as the tournament enters its final day and final 18 holes.
The battle for the top spot has been intense, with a new leader emerging after each round. Kenya’s Adele Balala led the field on the first day, followed by former champion Joseph Cwinya-ai on day two.
However, it was Akena who seized control on the third day with a composed performance, carding a level-par 71 to secure the top position.
His round on Day 3, held yesterday, Friday, August 30, was a tale of two halves. After a shaky front nine that included two bogeys, he regained his composure on the back nine, where he recorded a series of pars and a crucial birdie on the 15th hole.
His steady play has given him a narrow advantage over Cwinya-ai and Titus Okwong, both of whom are tied for second place with a score of 218.
Okwong, who delivered the tournament’s best round so far with a bogey-free 3-under 68, made a significant move up the leaderboard yesterday, and now stands alongside Cwinya-ai, just one shot off the lead, setting up a thrilling final round.
The pressure is on for Akena as he heads into Saturday’s final 18 holes. With a field that has seen consistent shifts in leadership, any misstep could open the door for his closest rivals.
The young golfer, who gained attention last year with a hole-in-one at the All Africa Junior Golf Championship, will need to maintain his focus if he hopes to claim his first major title.
Meanwhile, defending champion Godfrey Nsubuga, who dominated last year’s tournament from start to finish, finds himself well off the pace at +13, currently in 8th place, with little hope of retaining his title.
The top ten heading into the final day consists of an all-Ugandan lineup, with Abdul Kakeeto in fourth place with a score of 222, followed by Michael Tumusiime and Samuel Bazaale, who are tied for fifth at 223.
Ibrahim Ssemakula is in 7th place with 224, while Abdallah Kakooza (227) and Joseph Kasozi (229) round out the top ten.
Kenya’s Adele Balala, who led on day one, has dropped to 11th place with a total score of 230, trailing the leader by 13 strokes.
The final round will see Akena, Cwinya-ai, and Okwong grouped together in the main pressure group, with Kakeeto joining them in what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the 83rd edition of the Uganda Amateur Golf Open.
The tournament has attracted a strong field from across East Africa, including players from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan, and Rwanda.
The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open continues next week with the Professional and Pro-Am Opens, rounding off what has been an exhilarating chapter in this year’s golf calendar tyat also featured the Seniors and Ladies Opens.
