Otile to defend Uganda Open title

KAMPALA.

Less than a week to go, Uganda Golf Union (UGU) has confirmed that Ronald Otile will defend his title at the four-day Tusker Malt Uganda Amateur Open that tees off at the par-72 course in Kitante on August 10.

Currently on three-year Elite Champ Golf Program at Turks Academy, under the University of Pretoria in South Africa, Otile was unlikely to attend but all doubts were put to bed after a UGU board meeting at Serena Hotel yesterday morning.

“It was an executive decision to bring Otile to Kampala for the Open,” UGU Honorary Secretary Bernard Mbayo told Daily Monitor yesterday.

“We are finalising with his paper work and he should leave on Sunday and be here early next week,” Mbayo said after meeting with UGU President Johnson Omollo and Treasurer Paul Baite.

However, Otile’s stay here is short-lived. “The University of Pretoria allowed him to be here until August 16. So he won’t take part in the Pro-Arm event during the Pros Open from August 31-September 3.” Mbayo added.

Otile, who has spent the past three months alongside fellow Tooro-bred golfer Daniel Baguma in South Africa, is equally geared for the task ahead.

“I am ready,” the 21-year-old told this paper via phone. “The Union to organise for me the tickets and everything,”

On his stay in Pretoria: “Nothing big, it is just coldness over here,” the 2015 Uspa Best Sports Personality said.

Otile stroked nine-over-par 297 after four rounds to win the Open last year and having spent some quality time at the Centurion, Pretoria Country Club, Wingate and Pretoria Golf Club, more is expected.

“Yeah… Sure,” he offered, “Courses here are windy and have fast greens. But I believe I can defend my title since my ball striking has improved slot and the swing.”

To retain his title, Otile may have to put off challenges from other contenders led by 2014 runner-up Adolf Muhumuza, Ronald Rugumayo and Martin Ochaya.

2016 UGANDA GOLF OPEN
UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS
Aug 10-13: 74th Uganda Amateur Open
Aug 31 – Sept 3: 11th Uganda Professionals Open

PAST WINNERS – AMATEURS
2015: Ronald Otile (UGA)
2014: Deus Kitata (UGA)
2013: Peter Ssendawula (UGA)
2012: Phillip Kasozi (UGA)
2011: Rogers Byaruhanga (UGA)
2010: Brian Mwesigwa (UGA)
2009: Peter Ssendawula (UGA)
2008: George Olayo (UGA)
2007: Nicholas Rokoine (KEN)
2006: Amos Kamya (UGA)
2005: Charles Yokwe (UGA)

OTILE QUICK CV
Date of birth: September 22, 1995
Club: Tooro
Handicap: 0
Education: University of Pretoria
Course: Diploma in Golf Management
2015 Honours: Uganda Amateur & Pro Open, East Africa Golf Challenge, Africa Zone VI title, 2nd Individual Africa Amateur Championships