Rugumayo Takes Commanding Lead at Uganda Professionals Open

Ronald Rugumayo is carrying Uganda’s hopes in the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open championship, after an impressive opening round of three-under-par 69. The performance places him one shot ahead of his nearest competitors at the Uganda Golf Club in Kitante.

Rugumayo’s strong start, which included five birdies on the front nine without a single bogey, set him apart from Cameroonian Fon Pristhy, Ghanaian Ezekiel Afisco, and fellow Ugandan Rodell Gaita, who are all tied for second place at two-under-par 70.

Despite his leading position, Rugumayo expressed that the round could have been even better, citing miscalculations on a few holes. Bogeys on the 11th, 16th, and 18th holes marred an otherwise excellent performance. “No.11, I misread my putt but that’s what golf is. I am not happy about how I finished,” Rugumayo stated.

This early success echoes Rugumayo’s past triumph at the Kitante greens, where he won the Uganda Amateur Open nine years ago. Since turning professional in 2018, he has consistently made the cut at the Pros Open but has yet to secure a victory, having narrowly missed out in 2023 due to a costly four-putt on the final day.

Reflecting on past performances, Rugumayo has spent the last month refining his game at Kitante, winning three preceding tournaments. He acknowledged the challenges posed by course delays and the increasingly dry conditions but remains focused on his strategy.

“I am looking at something bigger. I feel good and I have been playing quite well. I just have to keep it simple,” he added, aware that with many past champions in the field, the tournament is far from decided. A group of nine players, including former champion Deo Akope, are tied in fifth place at one-under-par 71.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/golf/rugumayo-shoots-69-to-lead-pros-open-5581542