Africa-Press – Uganda. Abby Bagalana counts himself a lucky man. At a time when invitations are hard to come by, the professional golfer is preparing for a busy week ahead.He will be part of the field that will play at the Yamoussoukro Club when the Ivory Coast Open tees-off from April 21-24.
Bagalana earned his invite through the Ivory Coast Golf Federation president Emmanuel Kouakou Koffi. And ahead of his first pro tournament outside East Africa, Bagalana got a soft landing after his travel bill worth $1100 (Shs3.9m) was sorted by a UGC member Andrew Opio, through Spring Spa and Lounge.
Opio has a giving heart. “I occasionally facilitated the professional golfers until the 2019 Uganda Open when I offered a full package to eight amateurs and for sure, I was not disappointed by the performance,” said Opio, a handicap four player.“When Abby came to me with the Ivory Coast invite, we discussed the same and I chose to facilitate his travels.” The boost offers Bagalana a chance to battle for a 38,000 Euros (Shs165m) kitty. “It means a lot to me because in this era, not many are not willing to support you because of the Covid-19,” said Bagalana, who flies out on Sunday.
And it comes almost a month after he won his first pro tournament – the UGC Captain’s Prize at Kitante. “Well I’m going for a win,” he stated.“I am swinging very well of late if you have been following my games,” added the man who has made the cut six times on the regional Safari Tour Series.
AT A GLANCE
Full Name: Abbey BagalanaNickname: ‘Madiba’Date of birth: February 2Club: Uganda Golf ClubStarted playing: 2007Level: ProfessionalTurned pro: 2018Kit: TaylorMade RFI, R15Pro Honours: Six cuts on Safari Tour, 2021 UGC Captain’s PrizeFavourite holiday destination: Pretoria, South AfricaDream Car: [email protected]
