Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)
29 November 2011
Kampala — THE national ladies golf Captain Madina Iddi finished second in the just ended Uganda Ladies Open Championship at Kampala golf course, in Kampala, Uganda over the weekend.
Playing off handicap five the Tanzanian ace Madina fought hard to finish in the position after she collected a total 228 over three round of 54 holes event. The tournament brought together top golfers from Zimbabwe, Burundi, Tanzania and hosts Uganda.
Madina carded 7-over par 79 in the first round to start with five shots of the pace to eventual winner Ugandan Flavia Namakula. She fought head to head 74 and 75 with Namakula in the second and third round respectively.
Handicap two Namakula who had an advantage of five shots in first round after she returned 74 held her nerve to seal the win for the second straight season. Another national team member Hawa Wanyeche (handicap 4) found it hard in the start after she carded 84 and 83 in the first and second rounds respectively, but managed to bounce back in the final to finish fourth overall after she returned 74.
Veteran Sophia Viggo handicap six, collected a total of 143 (83, 80, 80) to finish in the fifth placed berth as third position went to handicap two Zimbabwean, Claire Minter who collected 230 (80, 74, 76).
Lina Francis also from Tanzania won the nearest to the pin prize. The prize giving ceremony was graced by Ugandan Minister for Sports, Charles Bakabulindi who applauded Tanzanian golfers and other countries that participated in the event.
Bakabulindi who was the guest of honour also encouraged more people to come forward and join the game that suits both young and old.
“Although soccer is the sport that involves many people, I have come to realize that golf is the perfect place were people can also come and discuss national development issues,” he said.
The minister also promised to be a good ambassador of the game and assure them government support. The ceremony was also attended by Uganda Sports Council Chairman, Jasper Aligawesa.
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