Professional golfer Rugumayo accorded a hero’s welcome from Magical Kenya Open

Business at the lake side Entebbe International Airport temporarily came to a stand-still on Tuesday, 27^th February 2024 as Uganda’s professional golfer Ronald Rugumayo  majestically returned from Nairobi, Kenya at the Magical Kenya Open, a European Tour event.

Rugumayo is the only East African golfer (and first Ugandan professional) that made the treasured cut during the championship held at the par-72 Muthaiga Golf course.

The 31-year-old professional who was sponsored by absa bank Uganda and Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa commenced his round with +1 -72. He improved with 1-under 70 on round two to make the cut.

On day three, he played even (71 gross) and crowned the championship with +2 (73) for a combined gross mark of 286.

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, the golfing family was united in the cause of receiving their hero as they raised a guard of honour for the different golf clubs; irons, wedges, putters and drivers.

 “What a historic week it was. I am very overwhelmed by the support at the airport. The whole airport was crowded and everyone left their business to welcome me. I am so grateful for that.” Rugumayo remarked.

“It was a great experience for me. I wish I could play regularly as I need more invites for such tours” he added.

Big opportunity to seize upon:

Rugumayo boldly hinted that this is the right moment for Uganda as a country to capitalize upon and build Uganda’s golf industry as a whole with professionals in particular.

“Everyone is watching Uganda. We have a lot to do. I urge more support given to professionals to continue. My fellow professional players are as good and we only need support” he noted.

Uganda Golf Union president Moses Matisko was among the hundreds of spectators who traveled to Nairobi to show support to Rugumayo and David Kamulindwa, the other professional from Uganda who also played in the Magical Kenya Open.

“President Emeritus for Uganda Golf Union (Dr Adriko) prophesized 10 years ago that one day a Ugandan will be playing on the European Tour and will make the cut. This has come to pass. I appreciate the support from sponsors as absa bank Uganda, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa. I also thank the Uganda Professionals Golf Association (UPGA) for their effort towards fellow professional” Matisko noted as he announced a Ug.Shs 2,000,000 offer from the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) to Rugumayo.

“The Private Sector Foundation, Mastercard Foundation and Tour Operators Association of Uganda will set up a package for Rugumayo. He is a big inspiration to many more golfers in Uganda. I congragulate you and you can only be your own limit.” Matisko added.

Caution to Rugumayo and other professionals:

Matisko also had a word of caution and encouragement to Rugumayo who commenced his golfing career in Fort Portal city.

“Prepare to do better than yesterday. Tomorow should be a better day than yesterday. Other professionals should also work hard.” Matisko added.

A busy year awaits Rugumayo as he prepares to play in a number of tournaments domestically in Uganda, Kenya on the Safari Tour, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa in the Sunshine Tours.