Ronald Rugumayo got the perfect motivation and confidence ahead of the grueling Safari Tour tournaments when carded 138 gross over 36 holes to win the Uganda Golf Club (UGC) Ladies Open at Kitante on Thursday.

Rugumayo, beat Becca Mwanja to the biggest share of sh10m prize money by a stroke, as he registered his second win of the season in five months; in addition to Equity Tooro Open victory, he picked in March.

He opened his campaign with a two-under 70 and trailed overnight leader Deo Akope by two strokes going into the final round but improved that with a four-under 68 to wrap up the victory.

Last year it was again Rugumayo who took the lion’s share of the prize money having come second behind then amateur player Rodell Gaita who won the event.

“I was struggling a lot with my putting but I wasn’t carried away by that, I kept calm, and played like a winner. I tried to correct my first-round mistakes and that’s how I ended up playing well,” Rugumayo said.

He grabbed six birdies and 4 bogeys in the first round before sealing it off with 5 birdies and an eagle on the par-5 hole-8.

“I have been preparing for the Safari Tour that should begin soon since the Kenya elections are over but the Uganda Open is also around the corner and I need to put up a great performance. I want to be in good shape and the win gives me confidence in the coming tournament,”.

Phillip Kasozi finished third, two strokes away from the winner, while Akope and Adolf Muhumuza finished joint fourth.

The National Medical Stores sponsored tournament continues with the ladies' silver and bronze categories action before the subsidiary event on Saturday.

Top 14

Ronald Rugumayo 70 68 138

Becca Mwanja 72 67 139

Phillip Kasozi 71 69 140

Deo Akope 68 74 142

Adolf Muhumuza 73 69 142

Grace Kasango 69 74 143

Tom Jjingo (A) 69 75 144

Bruhan Matovu (A) 73 71 144

Marvin Kibirige 73 71 144

Vincent Byamukama 70 75 145

David Kamulindwa 73 72 145

Godfrey Nsubuga (A) 75 70 145

Ismail Muhamood 76 69 145