Ronald Rugumayo, one of East Africa’s top golfers, on Wednesday emerged leader of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Professionals Open Golf Championship following the conclusion of the first round at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.
Rugumayo, who was recently unveiled as the newest Walker (influencer) by global whisky brand Johnnie Walker, the Uganda Open title sponsor, carded 4-under 67 to take the day one bragging rights.
Rugumayo, who teed off last on the day, had an impressive round, birding the first hole. He would go ahead to get birdies in holes 3, 7, 10, 11, 16, and 17. He only dropped three shots.
“I went out there to enjoy myself, but I had a game plan which I stuck to, and I’m really happy it paid off,” a relaxed Rugumayo told the media. He added: “I think I could have done even better, but at the end of the day, you take what you manage. I’m looking forward to the second round.”
Kenya’s Dismas Indiza, a six-time winner, is behind Rugumayo by two strokes. He’s tied on the same spot with his countrymate, the fast-rising star Mohit Mediratta.
Uganda’s amateur Anthony Otukei played 1-under 71. He’s tied for fourth with Kenya’s Greg Snow.
Three Ugandans, Abraham Ainamani, Rodell Gaita, and Joshua Seale, played level par and are tied on sixth with three foreign players: amateur winner in 2019, Kenya’s Daniel Nduva; Nigeria’s Andrew Odoh; and Zimbabwe’s Robson Chinhoi, who’s a two-time professionals winner.
There are two ladies playing in the professionals event, Ugandan pair Flavia Namakula and Irene Nakalembe, both of whom have won the ladies category of the Open.
The Johnnie Walker Uganda Professionals Open Golf Championship continues this Thursday. This round will feature a cut where only the top 30 players (including ties) make it to the next two rounds, where the Shs100 million kitty will be shared according to performance.
The 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship is sponsored by Absa Bank Uganda, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda, NBS Sport, and MTN MoMo.
