Ronald Rugumayo swings off | Credit: John Batanudde

Overview:

The 2024 Magical Kenya Open officially swings off with the PRO-AM on 21st February 2024 before the main event in the subsequent four days.

2024 Magical Kenya Open (21st – 25th February)

At Muthaiga Golf Club, Nairobi – Kenya

Uganda’s on-form professional golfer Ronald Rugumayo qualified for the prestigious 2024 Magical Kenya open for the second year in a row.

The tournament swings off with the PRO-AM on 21st February 2024 before the main event in the subsequent four days.

He qualified after posting a stellar performance in the just-concluded Safari Tour at the Karen Golf Club in Nairobi last week – bringing him to a total of 112 points after completing four out of the six tournaments in the tour.

Ronald Rugumayo celebrates with the ball that scored an ace in 2024

During the last leg of the Safari tours at Karen, Rugumayo scored 276 to finish six shots behind winner Dismas Indiza (270).

Indiza toppled the rest of the professionals on the overall order of merit for the 2023-2024 Safari Tour rankings.

Rugumayo was 11th with David Kamulindwa coming 12th whilst another Ugandan, Abraham Ainamani was 13th.

He is totally focused and determined coming to this four day championship.

Ronald Rugumayo during an interview | Credit: David Isabirye

He remains positive about his performance in this year’s Magical Kenya Open and appreciated Absa Bank Uganda for once again covering his entire cost to a tune of Ug.Shs 18,000,000.

“I am very much looking forward to this year’s tournament as I have taken this last year to perfect my game so as to represent Uganda to the best of my ability. Once again, I appreciate Absa Bank Uganda for coming forward to support both myself and the other players, and we are excited for the opportunity to give it our best and make the nation proud,” he commented as he received the dummy cheque.

Ronald Rugumayo (Left) and Michael Segwaya – Absa Bank Uganda’s Executive Director and Chief Finance Officer (R) pose for a picture with a dummy cheque.

Rugumayo departed for Nairobi to commence his practice rounds on 14 February 2024 as he acclimatizes to the weather, people and food in Muthaiga.

He will be joined by other nine Ugandans fully sponsored by Absa Bank on 21 February 2024 at the Pro-Am.

The golfers include:  Michael K. Musiime, Paul Habyarimana, Ivan Arinaitwe, Patricia Mbabazi, Emma Tayebwa, Wendy Angu’deyo, Michael Tumusiime, Alex Mango, and Bob Matsiko, fully sponsored with travel, full board accomodation, participation fees, caddy fees and  golf merchandise.

Last year, Rugumayo failed to make the treasured cut after the first two rounds but left a mark with a hole-in-one shot at the open.

Ronald Rugumayo takes a shot on a putting mat during the ceremony at Absa Bank Uganda

David Isabirye is a senior staff writer for Kawowo Sports where he covers most of the major events.

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