Ooko working on mental preparedness ahead of Uganda Open

Safari Tour, the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL)- run golf series that qualifies Kenyan and regional professional golfers for the European Tour-run Magical Kenya Open may have taken a break but Golf Park’s Erick Ooko has not. 

The 32-year old pro is keeping on the course with his mindset on finishing at the top when the series resumes in a month at the Uganda Open set for Entebbe Golf Club from December 2. 

A well-travelled golfer both as an amateur and a pro, Ooko is impressed with his game tactically but says mental preparedness will play a huge role in how he finishes in Uganda and in the tournaments succeeding that as he looks to qualify for next year’s Kenya Open. 

“I have played the Kitante course twice before and made cut on both occasions so it is a course I know well. However, this is a sport that relies a lot on how one can handle the pressure of what the course throws at you as a golfer so I am readying myself mentally. Any other tactical approach I can handle if my mind is in the right place,” he said in an interview with Mozzart Sport.  

At the series-opening Sigona leg, Ooko carded four rounds of 74, 71, 74 and 70 for a total rounds score of one over par 289 at the par 72 course. At the par 72 Vetlab leg, he returned scores of 79, 70,73 and 76 for a total rounds score of ten over par 298 for ninth place. 

He finished tied 14th in Naivasha as the Great Rift Valley Lodge hosted the third leg after returning scores of 74, 73,75 and 76 for 14 over par 298 while in Nyali, he tied in fourth place with Mutahi Kibugu and third leg winner David Wakhu on two over par 286. 

“I have made cut in all four legs and I want to keep the momentum going into the Uganda leg. I had kept busy on the course even when the series’ tee off was uncertain and that has helped in maintaining the good momentum and consistency,” added Ooko. 

The golfer started out as a caddie in 2009 and got his first handicap in 2009 (handicap 19). He played as an amateur between 2009 and 2014, becoming the best amateur golfer in the country. He represent Kenya in Cape Town for the African Zone Six championship and was named the best amateur, a feat that opened more doors for him. 

Indiza getting his groove back ahead of Uganda Open

Ooko turned professional in July 2014 after returning from Cape Town. In 2015 he joined the Sunshine Tour and played in tournaments across South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. He joined the West African Golf Tour in 2017 and has been a constant in the Kenya Open since its Challenge Tour days.