Uganda’s top professional golfer, Ronald Rugumayo, has urged fellow pros in Kenya and around East Africa to take advantage of the Sunshine Development Tour—East Africa Swing to elevate their golf and boost their chances at international events.
The 32-year-old is among the 90 golfers who have confirmed their participation in the first leg of the tour, set to tee off from Tuesday to Thursday at the par-72 Thika Greens Golf Resort through 54 holes for a stake of the Sh2 million prize kitty.
“We have to take advantage of this new tour because, at the end of the day, it is good for us and for the game in the region. When it comes to professional golf, the more you play, the better you get. Over the years, we haven’t been playing enough, and maybe that’s why we haven’t performed to people’s expectations at events like the Kenya Open. This tour is going to give us enough exposure to change that,” Rugumayo said.
For Rugumayo, returning to Kenya is always special. His memories stretch back from his days as a caddy to making history as the first Ugandan to cut the DP World Tour’s Kenya Open in 2024.
He is a household name in the Sunshine Tour, one of the premier professional golf tours globally, which officially expanded its footprint into Kenya and the East African region with the introduction of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing in March, where he has featured since the 2023/2024 season.
“I did not expect to be in Kenya at this time of the year, having in mind that I play much of my golf in South Africa, but it is a nice surprise that something good came up, and it is something we have all been praying for. I believe having a new tour on my calendar will make me busier this year, and I hope more of this will come. Kenya is my second home, and I feel great being here once again. When it comes to East Africa, Kenya, without a doubt, is the home of golf,” he reflected.
Further, the Ugandan called upon companies within Kenya and across East Africa to come on board and support the tour, arguing that it will be good for the golfers in the region.
“I also humbly call upon all corporates to come and join hands and support this tour. If you have someone you’re supporting, keep supporting them—they are the ones who will raise the country’s flag high. This is a dream come true for the game of golf in our region, and I thank the brains behind this tour for promoting golf here,” he said.
The winner at Thika Greens is set to take home Sh400,000 of the Sh2 million prize fund, with the second leg of the tour slated the following week at the Ruiru Sports Club also carrying a similar prize kitty.
