Joseph Reagan Akena will compete at the US Amateur Championship qualifiers next month. The Uganda Open champion earned his spot after reaching the top 500 World Amateur Golf Rankings. The 20-year-old golfer from Lugazi received his visa from the US embassy Monday. He will compete July 17-19 at PB Dye Golf Club near Washington. Akena called the chance both a dream and an honor.
The golfer helped Uganda beat Kenya at the Victoria Cup tournament at Mt. Kipipiri Golf Resort during March. His trip to America means he cannot play at the Pearl of Africa Golf Series next month near his home. Akena said he wishes he could compete at the local event but must choose between opportunities. He plans to return for the Uganda Open later. The golfer thanked the R&A High Performance programme and Uganda Golf Union for their support.
Akena dominated golf tournaments across Uganda during 2024. He won the Kakira Open, Jinja Open, Lugazi Centenary Tournament, Godfrey Nsubuga Invitational, Mbale Open and Kilelesi Challenge before claiming the Uganda Open title. His strong short game helped him succeed throughout the season. Godfrey Nsubuga, the previous Uganda Open champion, also received an invitation to the US Amateur qualifiers. Nsubuga will compete July 14-17, just before Akena takes his turn.
The golfer helped Uganda beat Kenya at the Victoria Cup tournament at Mt. Kipipiri Golf Resort during March. His trip to America means he cannot play at the Pearl of Africa Golf Series next month near his home. Akena said he wishes he could compete at the local event but must choose between opportunities. He plans to return for the Uganda Open later. The golfer thanked the R&A High Performance programme and Uganda Golf Union for their support.
Akena dominated golf tournaments across Uganda during 2024. He won the Kakira Open, Jinja Open, Lugazi Centenary Tournament, Godfrey Nsubuga Invitational, Mbale Open and Kilelesi Challenge before claiming the Uganda Open title. His strong short game helped him succeed throughout the season. Godfrey Nsubuga, the previous Uganda Open champion, also received an invitation to the US Amateur qualifiers. Nsubuga will compete July 14-17, just before Akena takes his turn.
