Entebbe’s Herman ‘Deco’ Mutebi Takes Surprising Lead in Golf Open

Herman ‘Deco’ Mutebi, a native of Entebbe, found himself at the top of the leaderboard, holding a one-shot lead after an impressive opening round at the Entebbe Professionals Golf Open on Wednesday.

Mutebi, who turned professional in 2019, returned to his residence feeling elated after carding a four-under 67, marking one of his best competitive rounds to date. “Not bad,” he said modestly, clearly surprised by his performance, “I did not expect to be in the lead. I just played my game.”

Playing alongside Ronald Otile and Kenyan golfer Boniface Simwa, Mutebi exhibited exceptional skills on the par-71 course, delivering seven birdies on Holes No.1, No.7, No.15, No.18, No.13, No.14, and the par-3 No.16. However, he also faced challenges, with bogeys on Holes No.17, No.2, and No.6.

“I three-putted on No.2 then missed the greens of No.6 and No.17,” Mutebi acknowledged his missteps but remained upbeat about his overall performance. “I am very happy with my round,” he said. “I need to keep my score. My game was good, the drive and the shot game. I want to maintain it tomorrow (Thursday).”

Mutebi’s remarkable round earned him the top position in a field that featured nine other players finishing under par. Abraham Ainamani and Vincent Byamukama tied for second place, both carding three-under 68.

Ainamani, despite sinking four birdies on Holes No.1, No.7, No.11, and No.15, encountered a bogey on the challenging 17th green as he approached the clubhouse.

Byamukama’s performance featured seven birdies and four bogeys, showing the competitive nature of the tournament.

The field, consisting of 42 men, will face a cut, reducing the number of players by half after the conclusion of Day Two action on Thursday.

ENTEBBE OPEN – DAY ONE PROS’ LEADERBOARD: