POA GOLF: Mutebi Deco, Kamulindwa take control with three-under 68s at Entebbe

The professionals are competing for a kitty of Shs20m in the second leg of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series.

Entebbe, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT & UGU MEDIA | With the second leg of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series taking place at the par-71 Entebbe Golf Club, it was always going to be unlikely that the homeboys struggle. It was thus not surprising to see Herman ‘Deco’ Mutebi and David Kamulindwa shoot impressive rounds of three-under 68 to assume leadership after day one.

Ironically, Mutebi and Kamulindwa both struggled early on Wednesday. The two registered bogeys two bogeys in their opening four holes but thereafter embarked on magnificent streaks to finish as joint leaders. Mutebi ended the day with five birdies including one on the challenging par-4 17^th. Kamulindwa too registered five red scores with four of them coming on the back nine.

Closely following the pair are Rodell Gaita Tadeo who returned 69, and Abraham Ainamani and Davis Kato who both carded 70. Ronald Otile, who started with an eagle on no.1, sits right behind them after playing a level round of 70. The playing conditions at Entebbe were generally good on a day of fine weather in clear skies.

With Thursday being a day for the cut, a number of golfers will be under pressure to return the sort of scores that can extend their participation in the competition.

James Koto (75), Richard Baguma (75), Vincent Araali Byamukama (76) and Mawa Saidi (76) are some of the names that are borderline ahead of what should be an engrossing second day.

Mutebi, Kamulindwa Shed Early Bogeys with Torrid Back-Nine Birdie Run, Post Matching 68s to Lock Pearl of Africa Series Lead at Entebbe’s Par 71 pic.twitter.com/Yn0ixPzFCd

— Under Par (@UnderPar_UG) April 2, 2025

The professionals are competing for a kitty of Shs20m in the second leg of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series. The first one, which was held in February, was won by Marvin Max Kibirgie who is in Kenya competing in the Sunshine Development Tour. The third leg of the inaugural Pearl of Africa Golf Series will take place at Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club in July.

In the gross amateurs, there is a three-way tie of 70. Elton Thembo, Samuel Bazaale and Shashank S. Gadre are all locked at the top on one-under with Michael Tumusiime, Morris Ashaba and Joseph Kasozi, all with 71, behind them. Unlike the professionals, there is no cut for the amateurs. In addition, amateurs will compete over three days and not four like the pros.

It was a nightmarish day for national team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai, one of the pretournament favourites. He suffered a quadruple-bogey on the par-4 no.9 before finishing with a 78. He is eight shots behind the three leaders. Uganda Open champion Joseph Reagan Akena had a modest round of 73 and is in a four-way tie for seventh together with fellow national team golfer Titus Okwong, Andrew Ssekibejja and Peter Tumusiime.

Sponsors of the Pearl of Africa Series include Home Bliss Fort Portal, Uganda Golf Union, NBS Sport, Aquafina, Vivo Energy, MTN, Entebbe Golf Club and Mighty Rides. The third and final Pearl of Africa Golf series leg of the year will be held in Lugazi in June.

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Thursday’s draw