Joseph Reagan Akena etched his name into Ugandan golfing history with a thrilling victory at the 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Golf Open in Entebbe.
The 19-year-old, who represents Lugazi Hills Country Golf Club, emerged victorious after a nerve-wracking final round on Saturday that culminated in one of the most dramatic finishes the tournament has ever witnessed.
Coming into the final day that was broadcast live on NBS Sport, Akena was leading proceedings with with a total score of 217 strokes.
He then made no mistake to clinch the title with a decisive putt on the 18th green, following a pivotal miss by his closest competitor, Joseph Cwinya-ai.
With the tournament hanging in the balance, Cwinya-ai, the 2022 champion, faced a three-foot putt to force a playoff.
Time seemed to stand still as he lined up his shot, but the pressure proved too great, and the ball slid agonisingly past the hole.
The gallery erupted in celebration, rallying behind the young Akena, who confidently sank his own putt to seal the victory.
The scenes on the final green were electric, with the crowd, led by last year’s champion Godfrey Nsubuga, lifting Akena in triumph.
The win marked a historic moment for the teenager, who is currently completing his A-Level studies at Juliana High School in Lugazi, and has become the first player from Lugazi Hills to claim the prestigious title.
Akena’s journey to the title was marked by consistent and composed play across the four-day event.
He posted scores of 73, 73, 71, and a final-round 70 to finish with a total of 287 gross, narrowly edging out Cwinya-ai, who finished with a 288.
The young golfer’s performance included 12 birdies, 45 pars, and 15 bogeys, demonstrating both his skill and resilience under pressure.
Reflecting on his victory, Akena expressed his surprise and gratitude.
“I came into the Uganda Open hoping to finish among the top three, so this victory is something that will live in my memory for a very long time,” he said with a grin after the trophy presentation.
He dedicated the win to his parents, coaches, and fellow players at Lugazi Hills, acknowledging the support that had fueled his success.
Akena’s victory at the 83rd edition of the Uganda Golf Open will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to young golfers across the country.
Meanwhile, the third spot on the podium was claimed by Titus Okwong, who posted a score of 291 after a mixed performance over the four days, highlighted by an impressive 3-under 68 in the third round.
Ibrahim Ssemakula secured fourth place with a total of 297, followed closely by Michael Tumusiime, who rounded out the top five with a score of 298.
The top ten finishers shared a UGX 15 million prize pot, with Akena receiving UGX 3.8 million for his triumph, while the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th played golfers took home between UGX 2.4 million and UGX 1.2 million.
Last year’s champion Godfrey Nsubuga finished 7th with a gross of 301, and took home UGX 970,000 for his efforts.
With the Amateurs open now done and dusted, attention now turns to the upcoming Pro-Am event on September 3, followed by the highly anticipated professional open, where the stakes will be even higher with a UGX 150 million prize pool.
