Naliaka dwarfs 30 stars
KENYAN great Rose Naliaka became the first foreign golfer to win the Uganda ladies Open for four times.
By William Muwonge
KENYAN great Rose Naliaka became the first foreign golfer to win the Uganda ladies Open for four times.
The long hitter was a class apart from a field of 30 entrants, leading from day one at the par-72 Kitante course to claim Uganda’s biggest ladies golf prize yesterday.
Naliaka was a massive 22 strokes ahead of Tanzania’s Sophie Viggo. Monica Ntege was Uganda’s best performer in third place.
Last year’s champion Esther Okullo ended up fifth overall, having lost the plot on day two.
“I can say how I am happy, I enjoyed myself though it was so hot,†Naliaka said.
Naliaka’s success in the 54-hole stroke play event, comes after victory in 2001, 1994 and 1993.
The towering player’s win places her behind the 12-time record champion Alice Kego of Uganda.
Kego, who played alongside Naliaka, last won in 1992. Naliaka also clinched a hat trick of national titles in East Africa.
Her win in Kampala comes after victory in the Tanzania Open and the Kenya Open recently. “This is a special moment, winning all events in the region is not an easy thing,†Naliaka said.
The champion, who enjoyed a pressure-free run, sunk a birdie on number three and 18. On the last hole, Naliaka’s tee shot covered three-quarters of the distance, she was on for two and putted for a birdie.
The event was sponsored by Celtel Uganda, Shell Uganda, Game Stores, Goodyear tyres, FedEx, NIC, Aon Uganda, Christex Garments, Ultimate Security and Pan African Insurance.
KENYAN great Rose Naliaka became the first foreign golfer to win the Uganda ladies Open for four times.
The long hitter was a class apart from a field of 30 entrants, leading from day one at the par-72 Kitante course to claim Uganda’s biggest ladies golf prize yesterday.
Naliaka was a massive 22 strokes ahead of Tanzania’s Sophie Viggo. Monica Ntege was Uganda’s best performer in third place.
Last year’s champion Esther Okullo ended up fifth overall, having lost the plot on day two.
“I can say how I am happy, I enjoyed myself though it was so hot,†Naliaka said.
Naliaka’s success in the 54-hole stroke play event, comes after victory in 2001, 1994 and 1993.
The towering player’s win places her behind the 12-time record champion Alice Kego of Uganda.
Kego, who played alongside Naliaka, last won in 1992. Naliaka also clinched a hat trick of national titles in East Africa.
Her win in Kampala comes after victory in the Tanzania Open and the Kenya Open recently. “This is a special moment, winning all events in the region is not an easy thing,†Naliaka said.
The champion, who enjoyed a pressure-free run, sunk a birdie on number three and 18. On the last hole, Naliaka’s tee shot covered three-quarters of the distance, she was on for two and putted for a birdie.
The event was sponsored by Celtel Uganda, Shell Uganda, Game Stores, Goodyear tyres, FedEx, NIC, Aon Uganda, Christex Garments, Ultimate Security and Pan African Insurance.