Day 2 of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Golf Open concluded with 2021 champion and Uganda golf national team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai seizing the lead, following a dramatic slip-up by Kenya’s Adel Balala.
Cwinya-ai, whose round today was highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole, along with four birdies on holes 8, 10, 11, and 18, carded a two-over 73 to go three-over for the Championship.
The only blemish on his scorecard was a double-bogey on the 17th hole, yet he remains firmly in contention for the title.
In contrast, Balala, who led after Day 1 with an impressive two-under 69, saw his hopes unravel with a disappointing round of 82.
The Kenyan golfer’s performance yesterday made him a strong contender for the title, but his drop in form today makes it unlikely that he will feature in the final group on Saturday.
Hot on Joseph Cwinya-ai’s heels though is Joseph Reagan Akena, who also shot a 73, keeping the pressure on the leader.
Meanwhile, Abdul Kakeeto and Michael Tumusiime are tied for third place, three strokes behind Cwinya-ai.
Tumusiime’s promising round was marred by a triple-bogey on the final hole, costing him a share of the lead.
Meanwhile, defending champion Godfrey Nsubuga, who struggled on Day 1, bounced back with today with a solid round of 72.
The day’s best performances however, came from two young golfers, Ibrahim Ssemakula and Elton Thembo, who both carded a level-par 71.
Tomorrow’s round will include a subsidiary competition for Group C golfers, while Group B will take to the course on Saturday, the final day of the tournament.
