)
Although he couldn't replicate his exceptional performance from the first round where he matched the course record with a nine-under 63, the 21-year-old did enough to secure a five-stroke victory over Abraham Ainamani, who finished with a gross score of 142.
Marvin Kibirige emerged as the champion of the Captain's Bell professional tournament at Kitante, shooting an impressive six-under 138 over 36 holes.
Although he couldn't replicate his exceptional performance from the first round where he matched the course record with a nine-under 63, the 21-year-old did enough to secure a five-stroke victory over Abraham Ainamani, who finished with a gross score of 142.
"This win means a lot to me,” Kibirige told Vision Sport, adding; “I didn't play well today, and my putting wasn't the best due to the condition of the greens.”
“But I feel very happy for winning my second professional event," Kibirige added.
This triumph marks Kibirige's second win in his professional career, having only turned pro last year.
His first victory came in September last year in Lira, where he carded a gross score of 153 over 36 holes.
As the winner, he earned a prize money of UGX 2.5 million, the largest share of the UGX 10 million prize pool provided by sponsors Absa Bank.
Despite encountering some challenges during the second round, including bogeys on holes 3, 10, 11, and 14, Kibirige managed to birdie the par-5 hole-1 and finished the round with a three-over 75.
Looking ahead, Kibirige's goal is to compete in the more competitive Bushveld and Altron Big Easy Golf Tours in South Africa. However, he acknowledges the need for financial support to participate in these events.
"I feel I'm in the right form right now and since my debut in the Zimbabwe Open, I picked valuable tips from the established professionals which I'm trying to implement; because in Uganda,” he said.
“We haven't gotten a chance to go through academies and everyone is playing their game; but I'm going to change the mindset from now on," Kibirige stated.
Adolf Muhumuza and David Kamulindwa, both from Tooro Club, finished tied for third place with a score of 145 each, one stroke ahead of Entebbe's Silver Opio, who carded a score of 146.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)