Rugumayo eyes title after second-round surge in Entebbe

Ugandan professional golfer Ronald Rugumayo shot a second-round 7-under 64 to take a 3-stroke lead as the Pearl of Africa Golf Series Sunshine Development Tour Championship raged on at Entebbe Club on Friday.

Rugumayo delivered six birdies, an eagle and a solitary bogey to finish the second round on top with a combined score of 131 ahead of Nigerian Godwin Okoko, who returned 3-under 68.

He started the second round on the back with a bogey on the par-3 10, but that was the only blemish on his card as he followed it with four consecutive pars before eagling the par-5 15 and adding another birdie on 18 before the turn. His day’s score was similar to what he produced during the last round of the MTN Pro Tees last week, which he won with 16-under 268.

The front was flawless for Rugumayo as he added five birdies on the par 5s 1 and on the par 4s 4, 5, and 9 and on the par 3 hole 2.

“I should say I really had a good round; actually, it came at just the right time when I needed it. Even though I got off to a slow start with a bad bogey on the 10th hole,” Rugumayo said. “I misjudged on the 10th. It should have been a 9-iron, but I hit it long with an 8. I ended up in a really tough spot and couldn't get up and down.

South African Pickering Slade trails the leader by four strokes. Phhoto by Michael Nsubuga

“So, out of all 18 holes, I'm really pleased with how I played the last 15. My putting on the greens was fantastic. I was really going for it, hitting a lot of great shots, especially with my wedges. And I made some amazing putts.

“For the last round, I definitely feel good, but at the same time, I don't want to look too far ahead. I just want to focus on eating well, sleeping well, and sticking to the same game plan,” Rugumayo stated.

Rugumayo is among 13 other Ugandans who made the cut to partake in the sh70m kitty alongside 19 foreign players, including nine South Africans, four Kenyans, and one golfer each from Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria, England and Malawi.

The Ugandans who made the cut include Deus Willy Kitata, who finished with a 71, Grace Kasango and David Kamulindwa, who are tied on 2-under after the two rounds; Abraham Ainamani (141), Deo Akope (142), as well as Rodell Gaita, Andrew Ssekibejja and Silver Opio, all on 143. The rest are amateur players Joseph Cwinyaai and Anthony Otukei, and Joseph Akena, as well as pro Vincent Byamukama.

Round 2: Top ten

Ronald Rugumayo (UG) 67 64 131

Godwin Okoko (NG) 66 68 134

Greg Snow (KE) 70 66 136

Pickering Slade (SA) 68 67 135

Mollel Nuru (TZ) 70 67 137

Millar Matt (ENG) 68 69 137

Willy Kitata (UG) 66 71 137

Nethunzwi Musiwalo (SA) 74 64 138

Adams Paul (MW) 71 67 138