Ogwang, Kitata Share One-Shot Lead at POA Series

Emma Ogwang and Willy Deus Kitata have emerged as joint leaders at the ongoing Pearl of Africa (POA) Series, held at Entebbe Club. The Ugandan duo, alongside Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko, posted identical scores of five-under-par 65 in the opening round of the 54-hole competition.

This strong performance places them one shot ahead of the chasing pack, which includes notable players like South Africa’s Ruan de Smidt and Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo, who are both at four-under-par 67.

For Emma Ogwang, this early success marks a significant moment in his professional career, which began in 2018. Despite never having won a professional tournament, Ogwang, who also captains the Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA), delivered his best competitive round to date. He attributed his steady play to a more conservative approach on the course, hitting 15 greens in regulation and securing six birdies.

US-based Willy Deus Kitata, meanwhile, navigated the course without a single bogey, complementing his five birdies. Godwin Okoko also had a flawless bogey-free round, matching Kitata’s five birdies.

The POA Series, with a prize kitty of $20,000 (Shs78 million), is a crucial event within the Sunshine Development Tour (SDT) and the Betway Big Easy Tour, serving as feeders to the main Sunshine Tour.

Following closely behind the leaders are South Africans Matt Millar and Slade Pickering, Zambia’s Sidney Wemba, and Uganda’s Deo Akope, all tied in sixth place with rounds of 68. The cut is projected after the second day’s play at +2.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/golf/ogwang-kitata-share-one-shot-lead-at-poa-series—5599506