Deo Akope staged a commanding final round performance to clinch the professional title at the 2025 Absa Captain’s Bell Tournament, closing with an impressive 11-under-par to edge out a highly competitive field at the Uganda Golf Club in Kitante.
Akope, who teed off alongside early tournament leader Tom Jingo and David Kamulindwa in the pressure group, rose to the occasion in a high-stakes final day that tested the mettle of Uganda’s top pros.
Despite Jingo holding the lead when the final round began, Akope played a composed and strategic game, overtaking the leaderboard and maintaining his grip until the final hole.
The professional contest capped off a thrilling four-day championship that featured amateurs, ladies, and pros all competing across different categories.
In the gross amateurs division, national team captain Joseph Cwinyaai made headlines after setting a national record with a 16-under-par score across three rounds. Peace Kabasweka secured victory in the ladies category with a gross score of 234.
The final day saw packed galleries and rising tension as the top pros battled shot for shot.
Jingo, who had led going into the day, stayed close behind but couldn’t match Akope’s momentum. Kamulindwa also put in a solid effort but finished just off the pace.
The tournament officially concludes on Saturday with the subsidiary players teeing off, followed by a prize-giving ceremony to be held at the Uganda Golf Club (UGC) in the evening.
