Zambia’s Dominic Musonda made a statement on his debut in Uganda, carding a stunning six-under 65 to take control of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open at Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old, a final-year Mechanical Engineering student at Nkana Golf Club, outshone a 70-player field with eight birdies on a tricky par-71 course hosting the championship for the first time.
His only blemishes came with bogeys on the par-4 14th and par-3 17th, but even those could not prevent him from seizing a two-shot cushion over Uganda’s Joseph Cwinya-ai.
Musonda admitted he was not at his best despite the score. “I struggled a lot from the tee and my long irons. My short game and putting saved me,” he said. “Driving is usually my strength so I hope I can be more efficient off the tee in the coming rounds.” He also noted the challenges of Lugazi’s terrain compared to the flat courses back home, describing it as one of the toughest he has played worldwide.
Cwinya-ai kept himself in the hunt with a solid 67, while Elton Thembo and Abdul Kakeeto finished three strokes further back on 70. Defending champion Joseph Reagan Akena endured a difficult start on his home course, returning a six-over 77 that leaves him with work to do.
Other Ugandans remain well placed, with John Musiimenta, Rogers Eyoyo and Peter Tumusiime all signing for even-par 71. With three rounds left, the leaderboard remains tight and local players will be eager to press Musonda as the week unfolds.
This year’s 84th edition of the Uganda Golf Open has drawn strong backing from partners including Johnnie Walker, Isuzu, NBS Sport, MAC East Africa, Medisell, MTN Momo, Uganda Tourism Board, Aquafina, ABSA Bank and Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club.
