Ronald Rugumayo opened his Johnnie Walker Uganda Professionals Open Golf Championship campaign in style on Wednesday, carding a 4-under 67 to take a two-shot lead after round one at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.
The Ugandan, recently unveiled as a Johnnie Walker brand influencer, birdied the first hole and went on to add six more on holes 3, 7, 10, 11, 16, and 17. He dropped three shots but still finished the day top of the leaderboard.
“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,” Rugumayo said after his round. “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 seasoned campaigner Dismas Indiza, a six-time Open winner, trails by two strokes, tied with countryman Mohit Mediratta. Uganda’s amateur Anthony Otukei impressed with a 1-under 71, placing him in a tie for fourth alongside Kenya’s Greg Snow.
A group of six players share sixth on level par, including Ugandans Abraham Ainamani, Rodell Gaita, and Joshua Seale, together with Kenya’s Daniel Nduva, Nigeria’s Andrew Odoh, and Zimbabwe’s Robson Chinhoi.
The professionals’ event has also attracted Ugandan duo Flavia Namakula and Irene Nakalembe, both former winners in the ladies’ category of the Open.
Action continues Thursday with a cut set for the top 30 players and ties, who will progress to the final two rounds. The tournament carries a prize purse of Shs100 million.
This year’s Johnnie Walker Uganda Open is supported by Absa Bank Uganda, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda, NBS Sport, and MTN MoMo.
