Fifteen pros make the cut as Akope challenge enters the penultimate stage

Kilembe Mines Golf Club’s Rodell Gaita carded a second-round level-par 71 to take a two-stroke lead as fifteen golfers ‘made the cut’ in the inaugural edition of the Deo Akope Challenge tournament being played at Entebbe Club on Friday.

Gaita, who opened with a one-under 70 in the opening round on Thursday is now two strokes ahead of Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Club’s Marvin Kibirige, and Entebbe Club’s David Kamulindwa are tied in second on 143 gross each after the second round.

Entebbe’s Saidi Mawa who led the opening round with a two-under 69, is now fourth, while Toro Club’s Ronald Otile is fifth, going into the last round of the sh15m prize-money championship.

Palm Valley’s Abraham Ainamani, Entebbe Club’s Samuel Kato, Deco Mutebi and female professional Irene Nakalembe are also in the running for the cash, just like Bulhan Matovu, Adolf Muhumuza, James Koto, Canary Kabise and Vincent Byamukama, who all will partake of the money.

Apart from the professionals fighting for cash, two other categories of golfers (gross players and amateurs) are also in contention for various prizes.

Toro Club’s Joseph Cwinyaai topped the 54-hole gross players' contest after he carded 215 followed by Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club’s Reagan Akena and Uganda Golf Club’s Ibra Bagalana, who returned 217 each.

Elton Thembo, Ibrahim Ssemakula, and Joseph Kasozi tied for third with 218 each over three rounds.

The amateurs will crown the event with an 18-hole contest on Saturday in the subsidiary event before the launch of the Akope Foundation which is aimed at nurturing young golf talent.

“I want to see how we can help the young talent develop, maybe with equipment but also help them continue playing even when they are at school by linking them to nearby golf courses so that we can also create a program between the school and the kids and also expose them to tournaments within and outside the country,” Akope stated.

The three-day event is sponsored by Capital Radio, Aviator Africa, Numax Cinemas, Upscale Events, Twelve Foods, Street Club, and MARSH.

Top ten after cut

Rodell Gaita 70 71 141

Marvin Kibirige 70 73 143

David Kamulindwa 70 73 143

Saidi Mawa 69 75 144

Ronald Otile 70 75 145

Abraham Ainamani 74 72 146

Irene Nakalembe 71 77 148

Samuel Kato 77 71 148

Grace Kasango 74 15 149

Deco Mutebi 74 75 149