Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo attributed his maiden Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing title to patience and focus after winning the Pearl of Africa Golf Series at Entebbe Golf Club on Saturday.
Rugumayo said he remained focused on his own game despite pressure from a strong chasing pack as he converted his overnight lead into victory on home soil.
“I knew I had to stay patient and focus on my own game because there were very good players behind me. I’m happy with how I handled the final round, and it means a lot to get my first Sunshine Development Tour title,” said Rugumayo.
The reigning Uganda Open champion started the final round at 11-under-par and carded a composed two-under-par 69 to finish on 13-under-par 200.
Rugumayo made four birdies on the first, fifth, seventh and ninth holes, dropping a shot on the eighth before adding another birdie on the 14th. Bogeys on the 10th and 17th did little to threaten his lead as he secured the title. “It feels really good to win this tournament, especially here at home in front of the Ugandan fans,” he added.
Rugumayo earned $400 (about Sh52,000) and 210 Order of Merit points. Malawi’s Paul Adam Chidale and Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko tied for second on nine-under-par 204. Chidale carded a five-under-par 66, including two eagles, while Okoko returned a one-under-par 70.
Kenya’s Greg Snow was the best-placed Kenyan, finishing joint seventh on two-under-par 211 after a final-round 75. The Pearl of Africa Golf Series was the sixth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing and the Tour’s first event in Uganda.
The tournament attracted 109 professional and elite amateur golfers from across Africa, with Official World Golf Ranking and World Amateur Golf Ranking points on offer.
