Emmanuel Ruterana is mad with himself after a dismal show in the just ended source of Nile Golf Open, which was staged in Jinja, Uganda. The country’s top golfer squandered a day one lead of 71 when he misfired on day two to finish off with six-over and an overall score of 149. “It was my second appearance at that course but that is no excuse. I was in control on day one but things fell part on day two and I blame myself for that,” he told Times Sport upon his return on Tuesday. Uganda’s Deo Akope carded 144 to win the tournament while newly promoted Steven Birungi came second with 148. Since joining the paid ranks in April, Birungi has been firing on all cylinders and many golf pundits are looking at him as Akope’s main challenger. “He is playing well. He is spot on with his shots and has a lot of determination as well,” Ruterana credited the Ugandan. Ruterana bagged Shs600.000, an equivalent of Frw200.000 at the end of the event. After the traumatic display, the 25-year-old has pulled out of this weekend’s MTN monthly mug in Kampala. He declined to take part in the tournament insisting that he wants to clean up his game. “I have opted out of this month’s MTN mug because I want to work on my game before competing in any more competitions,” he said. Meanwhile, Kigali Golf Club will be chasing for more honours in Burundi when this year’s Bujumbura Open unfolds today. Rwanda’s top amateur golfer Jean Baptiste Hakizimana and Steven Katwiremu will lead KGC’s hunt for glory in the 54-hole competition which climaxes on Saturday. Ends
