Otile and Gaita Share Lead at Entebbe MTN Pro Tee Series

Ronald Otile and Rodell Gaita are leading the pack at the MTN Pro Tee Series, held at Entebbe Club, after an outstanding opening round. Both golfers posted a score of four-under-par 67, giving them a one-stroke advantage over the rest of the field vying for a share of the Shs20 million prize money.

Otile, who turned professional in 2021 after a decorated amateur career, expressed satisfaction with his strategic approach to the game. “It was like a game plan,” Otile remarked, highlighting his effort to avoid the slow starts that have plagued him in the past. He notably secured four birdies in the final seven holes, skillfully navigating the course despite a bogey on the 14th.

Looking ahead to the second day, Otile is set to play in a high-pressure group alongside Gaita and veteran Deo Akope. “It’s all about patience and consistency. I will do the same game plan, because it’s a cut day,” Otile stated, emphasizing his immediate goal of making the cut while signaling his readiness to compete against Gaita.

Gaita, eager to end a year-long drought without a professional tournament win, started strong with birdies on several par-5s and a short hole. Although his round included a double-bogey on the 16th, he remains focused on his objective. “My strategy was to play level or under par. My target is to win,” Gaita asserted, acknowledging the challenging conditions of the Entebbe course.

Deo Akope, Abraham Ainamani, and Ronald Rugumayo are among the other notable contenders. Akope and Ainamani are tied for third place at three-under-par 68, while Rugumayo, the reigning Uganda Professionals Open champion, is two shots back at 70. Several other players are grouped closely behind, setting the stage for a competitive conclusion to the tournament.