The golfing spotlight turns to the serene greens of the Entebbe Golf Club as the Pro-Am Championship kicks off today, marking the precursor to the highly anticipated 19th Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Golf Open.
With 57 teams led by professional golfers and sponsored by major partners like Johnnie Walker and Absa Bank, the stage is set for high-stake day of golf.
Among the competitors, Ronald Rugumayo stands out, entering this year’s tournament with renewed vigor and confidence.
Rugumayo, who came agonisingly close to winning the 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Professionals Open title, has transformed his game over the past year.
He recently became the first Ugandan to make the cut at a DP World (European) Tour event, and also made the cut at the prestigious Kenya Magical Open.
The golfer is considered one of the favourites, especially with his deep familiarity with the Entebbe Golf Course, but will not have an easy path to victory.
Standing in his way are seasoned competitors such as Zimbabwe’s Robson Chinhoi, a two-time winner of the tournament in Uganda, and Kenya’s Dismas Indiza Anyonyi, the record holder with seven titles, including the 2023 championship.
Other notable challengers include Zambia’s Muthiya Madalitso, Kenya’s Mike Kisia, Zimbabwe’s Visitor Mapwanya, and Uganda’s own David Kamulindwa, all eager to make their mark.
The last Ugandan to win this prestigious title was Deo Akope in 2014, and since then, the trophy has eluded the host nation.
The Pro-Am tournament, a prelude to the main event, will see top professionals like Rugumayo testing their skills alongside amateurs.
Absa Bank, who are the main sponsors, have fielded the most teams, including Absa Team One, led by Tadeo Rodell Gaita and featuring the bank’s Managing Director, Mumba Kalifungwa.
Rugumayo himself will play for Absa Team Eight, joined by amateurs Aaron Ecel, Wendy Angudeyo, and Berna Musanabera.
Beyond the competitive spirit, there are high stakes at play. The top 10 amateurs in today’s Pro-Am will secure an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2025 Kenya Magical Open, while Absa Bank will cover the full expenses for Ugandan professionals who qualify for the same event.
