Godfrey Nsubuga swings during a past event
If form was the basis upon which the Uganda Golf Open was awarded, Godfrey Nsubuga would be crowned 2023 champion even before tee off.
The Mehta-bred golfer has been in such sensational form this season that it is hard to look beyond him ahead of this year’s competition. Nsubuga’s blistering form has extended beyond borders with the affable golfer registering impressive finishes in Kenya on their Amateur tour where money and points are earned.
There is no money at stake for him in the Uganda Open, which tees off today, but he is burning to reinforce the long-held view among many golf observers and enthusiasts that he is the leading amateur in the country today.
“I am keeping calm,”Nsubuga told The Observer. “I have never won the Uganda Open, but I hope that that can change this time round.”
Converting the tag of being a favourite into the Championship trophy will not be easy.There is a formidable field of local and international amateurs who will be hoping to defy odds and win the trophy currently held by Lake Victoria Golf Resort & Spa member Andrew Ssekibega.
Former winner Joseph Cwinya-ai, last year’s runner up Michael Tumusiime,Joseph Kasozi and Ibrahim Bagalana are some of the amateur golfers who will attempt to hit the ground running with a superb start in today’s opening round.
The prevalent weather is causing all sorts of nightmares for organisers and golfers and no one is quite sure how the upcoming four days will be. Last week witnessed some torrential rains, which would make play almost impossible to proceed if they happen.
The golfers, however, must adapt to the difficult conditions and adjust accordingly. A strong start is the desired way to get one’s championship aspirations on track, as Peace Kabasweka showed with an opening round of 68 that set her on the path to her first Uganda Open Ladies crown last week.
But the road to becoming a champion is more than striking the ball; it encompasses composure, calmness, focus and big-stage temperament – four qualities that Nsubuga has added to his already rich golf repertoire. Nsubuga’s strongest weapon has been a razor-sharp short game, which is always a key to any golfer with designs on the championship.
The month-long event started last week with the Uganda Golf Ladies Open, which was won by Kabasweka, and the Uganda Golf Seniors Open.
Source: The Observer
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