Ronald Rugumayo (Uganda) – 67
Celestin Nsanzuwera (Rwanda) – 69
David Kamulindwa (Uganda) – 69
Ronald Rugumayo was in inspired form as the 2023 Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Golf Open teed off at the par 72 Uganda Golf Club in Kitante. Rugumayo shot an impressive 5 under 67, securing a two-shot lead over Rwandan Celestin Nsanzuwera and Ugandan David Kamulindwa, who were both tied for 2nd place.
Despite the challenges posed by slow greens due to the early morning rain, Rugumayo emerged leader after a brilliant round. His bogey-free performance included 5 birdies and 13 pars, setting him two strokes ahead going into day two.
“Ugandans have been struggling to win the Uganda Open, but this year, I see a Ugandan winning the Open. I can promise you that,” he confidently stated before teeing off on day one of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open at Kitante in Kampala.
Amateur Open champion Godfrey Nsubuga demonstrated his prowess by returning a score of 1 under par, 71. The winner of the Uganda Pro Golf Open Championship will receive sh21 million from the 100 million prize kitty. The top 30 players will share the package and earn points for the Safari Tour.
This year, a new champion will be crowned as reigning champion, Zimbabwean Robson Chinhoi, is not participating. The 2023 Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Golf Open features over 100 professional golfers from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
