Zambian golfer Dayne Jr Moore delivered a commanding performance to claim the 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Open title with a two-stroke victory at the Entebbe Golf Club on Saturday.
Moore’s opening round of 63 set the tone for the tournament, which was the 19th edition, and despite facing challenges along the way, he held off fierce competition from Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera to finish with a total score of 281 (three-under-par) over four days.
After his remarkable seven-under 63 on the first day, Moore followed with rounds of 73, 72, and 72.
Despite a rocky start on the final day that included a double bogey on the par-5 fifth hole, the South Africa-based Zambian regained his composure.
He immediately responded with a birdie on the sixth and played a steady game to close out the tournament.
His final round culminated with a clutch putt on the 18th hole, securing a one-over finish for the day.
“I am humbled by this victory. It’s been a great year for me, with a win in South Africa and a runner-up finish in Zambia. This win gives me momentum for the busy weeks ahead,” Moore remarked after receiving the trophy from UBL managing director Andrew Kilonzo.
Celestin Nsanzuwera, who posted a strong 68 in the final round, mounted a late charge but fell just short with a total score of 283.
A bogey on the par-5 15th hole derailed his pursuit of the title, leaving him two shots behind Moore. Nsanzuwera’s consistent play earned him second place and a prize of UGX 21 million.
Veteran Kenyan golfer Dismas Indiza, known for his remarkable endurance at the age of 56, tied for third with amateur Adel Balala, also from Kenya.
Both players finished with a total score of 284, with Indiza shooting a final round of 68 and Balala impressing with the best final round score of 67.
Uganda’s top finisher, Phillip Kasozi, tied for sixth place after rounds of 71, 73, 71, and 72, finishing three-over-par with a total score of 287.
Fellow Ugandan Abraham Ainamani finished tied for ninth with a score of 289.
The tournament featured a prize pool of UGX 150 million, with Moore taking home UGX 31.5 million for his victory.
The prestigious event attracted top golfers from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and other African nations, with Johnnie Walker as the lead sponsor.
The climax of the Professional Open marks the end of the Uganda Golf Open, which also featured the Seniors, Ladies, Amateur and Pro-Am opens.
