Okullo beats all Seniors at Open.

An inch-perfect show at the front nine and advantage of playing on a home course were the catalysts as Dr Anthony Okullo strolled to a four-shot win at the 36-hole Tusker Malt Seniors Open yesterday.
Okullo, who had a share of the lead with Rwanda-based Steven Katwiremu on Day One after both returned nine-over-par 81, turned up for Day 2 at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club (UGC) Kitante course a different animal. As early as the 10th hole, the multi-faceted Okullo already boasted of a seven-stroke lead.


And despite a double-bogey, bogey and bogey finish, the former boxer (Makerere University) and Rugby Cranes ex-international, had already done enough to win as justified by an unmatched round of six-over-par 78 to finish with an aggregate of 159.

"You know as an old golfer, age comes in play at the back nine," the humorous Okullo, the first African national team rugby captain in 1974, said about his troubles towards the end. "But because I had it at the back of my mind, I had already taken care of the business at the front nine. Everything was to the point - the driving, chipping and putting. I also want to thank the organizers for recognising us as seniors at this Open."

Dr Okullo's final round comprised of two birdies (7 & 13) and was only rivaled by second-placed Dr Sam Zaramba (79), who edged Zimbabwean Zephania Dube (81) on countback after both tied on 163. But the affable Zaramba, who has won this title before, was only gracious in defeat.

"I'm very happy to finish behind my young Doctor (Okullo) because I have won before. So let others also win. I'm happy for him," said former UGC captain, Zaramba. "I also thank the organisers because as seniors we feel recognised having a tournament like this. I'm playing 18 holes, I feel even fresher. Actually I feel I should have played two more," he joked.

The 89-year-old Emmanuel Basaliza, nicknamed Mzee Kijana, of Fort Portal, hogged some of the limelight for his two rounds of 84,79 (163 nett) that helped him to the 80+ years category honours while playing off handicap 22. Today is the official practice round of the 73rd Amateur Open that has attracted 96 players in the Main event, which tees off tomorrow.

Overall leader board

Dr Anthony Okullo (UGA) 81 78 159

Dr Sam Zaramba (UGA) 84 79 163

Zephania Dube (ZIM) 82 81 163

Steven Katwiremu (RWA) 81 87 168

DAY WINNERS

1st 18: Charles Katarikawe 85

2nd 18: Alex Opendi 81

NETT WINNERS

55-56 YEARS

David Scanlon 77 66 143 nett

65-70 YEARS

Joel Okullo 72 74 146 nett

71-80 YEARS:

Arthur Gakwandi 71 74 145 nett

80+: Emmanuel Basaliza 84 79 163 nett

Longest Drive: Ndlovu Lindani

Nearest to the Pin: Suresh Patel