Ronald Rugumayo continued with his splendid form from the year 2017 when he topped the rest of the amateur golfers during the selection process for the Uganda Golf team that will be used in 2018 competitions.
The Toro club golfer struck total gross of 290 strokes in 72 holes action played over two days at lake Entebbe Golf course and Uganda Golf Club facilities.
In an exclusive interview with Kawowo Sports,Rugumayo has attributed hard work and calmness while on the course for his exploits since last year that also witness him win a number of tournaments including the prestigious Uganda Open, Kinyara open, Entebbe Open and the Toro captain’s putter.
It has been purely a result of hard work.
I have always trained hard. Every time i step on the golf course, its aggression but with calmness. The results are not disappointing.
During the qualifiers, Rugumayo carded a course 2-over par 73 in round one played at Entebbe Golf Course with four birdies. In round two, it was a disappointing 4-over par 75 as day one climaxed.
During day one, rain affected me and many other players.
But after resting well, day two was a walk in the park. I thank the rest of the players for the healthy challenge
At the Uganda Golf Club on day, Rugumayo played a phenomenal 5-under par 67 in round three. This was the best score throughout the entire duration of the qualifiers.
In the final round, Rugumayo played 3 over par-75 with two birdies on the back nine of the course.
Last season, Rugumayo was third at the Kenya Stroke play championship at Nyaali Golf Club as he finished fourth during the 2017 Tanzania Open.
The Uganda Golf Union as guided by the national team head coach Amos Kamya named Rugumayo as the assistant captain with Becca Mwanja retained as the overall team captain.
Mwanja returned 295 in 72 holes to take the first runners up slot of Abraham Ainamani (296), Adolf Muhumuza (298), David Kamulindwa (298), Rodell Gaita (299), Michael Alunga (300), Herman ‘Deco’ Mutebi (302), Joseph Kasozi (304) and Edrine Okong (305) in the top 10 slots.
Others on the team are two time Uganda Open winner Ronald Otile, Yusuf Ssentongo, Emma Ogwang, Byaruhanga, Joel Basaline, Dennis Asaba, Michael Tumusiime as well as the Baguma duo of Richard and Daniel.
A busy calendar awaits the Uganda national teams with the Africa Juniors Championship coming up in March 2018.
Zimbabwe will host the All Africa Championship, Tanzania will host the East African Golf Challenge as Kenya will play host to the famous Ryder Cup (Kenya versus Uganda Challenge) at the Muthiaga Golf Course.
There are 20 national team players, a pool from which the on form players are picked to represent the country at several tournaments.
Uganda National Golf Team Qualifiers | Top 20
- Ronald Rugumayo (Toro Club) 73, 75, 67, 75 – 290
- Becca Mwanja (Uganda Golf Club) 73, 76, 72,74 – 295
- Abraham Ainamani (Kabale) 72, 74, 73, 77 – 296
- Adolf Muhumuza (Toro) 72, 75, 75, 76 – 298
- David Kamulindwa (Toro) 76, 73, 75, 74 – 298
- Rodell Gaita (Uganda Golf Club) 78, 75, 72, 74 -299
- Michale Alunga (Toro) 74, 80, 73, 73 300
- Herman ‘Deco’ Mutebi (Entebbe Club) 77, 76, 69, 80 – 302
- Joseph Kasozi (Uganda Golf Club) 77, 82, 74, 71- 304
- Edrine Okong (Lugazi) 74, 77, 78, 76 – 305
- Yusuf Sentongo (Namulonge) 77, 84, 70, 74 – 305
- Richard Baguma (Uganda Golf Club) 76, 76, 74, 82 – 308
- A. Byaruhanga (Entebbe) 78, 74, 76, 80 – 308
- Joel Basalaine (Lugazi) 78, 74, 79, 77 – 308
- Denis Asaba (Toro) 75, 81, 73, 80 – 309
- Ronald Otile (Toro) 82, 76, 79, 72 -309
- Daniel Baguma (Toro) 78, 76, 75, 82 – 311
- Aaron Mugomola (Entebbe) 81, 81, 77, 72 – 311
- Emma Ogwanga (Entebbe) 73, 78, 79, 82 – 312
- Michael Tumusiime (Uganda Golf Club) 79, 76, 73, 85 – 313
