Kasango edges Rugumayo in dramatic playoff to claim Absa Chairman's Bell title
Kasango, just like Rugumayo, carded an overall 10-under 278 each in 72 holes to send the championship into a dramatic 3-hole playoff on holes 12, 17 and 18, which Kasango edged on the 18th with a par.
Grace Kasango runs as he is splashed with water during the Absa Chairman's Bell tournament at Kitante. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Grace Kasango won a dramatic playoff against Ronald Rugumayo as the Absa Chairman’s Bell Professionals’ Golf Tournament ended at the Uganda Golf Club on Friday.
Kasango, just like Rugumayo, carded an overall 10-under 278 each in 72 holes to send the championship into a dramatic 3-hole playoff on holes 12, 17 and 18, which Kasango edged on the 18th with a par.
Kasango started strongly with an opening bogey-free round of 6-under 66 to take a one-stroke first-round lead ahead of Rugumayo as the 72-hole, sh20m prize money event started at Kitante on Tuesday.
His round was punctuated by four birdies and an eagle on the par-5 hole 13 to take the lead ahead of Ronald Rugumayo, who shot 67. But Rugumayo replied with a tournament-best 6-under 67 to, in turn, take a one-stroke lead after the second round on Wednesday.
Matching his first-round performance, Rugumayo made eight birdies to overtake overnight leader Kasango, who shot 69, three strokes higher than his opening round.
Both golfers stumbled in the third round, with Kasango returning 3-over 75 after registering 8 bogeys, while Rugumayo produced a 2-over 74 punctuated by 4 bogeys and a double on the par-5 hole five. But it was the latter who remained on top by two strokes heading into the final round.
The champion started the final round brightest, finishing the front nine bogey-free with birdies on holes 1, 6, and 7 and an eagle on hole five for a 5-under after nine holes, which ensured he took the lead by a stroke at the halfway mark. But Kasango bogeyed the par-5 10 to surrender the lead.
Grace Kasango focuses on the line of his putt during the Absa Chairman's Bell tournament at Kitante, July 18, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
He immediately made amends with a birdie on the par-3 11, which Rugumayo bogeyed to reclaim the lead. However, a double bogey on the par-5 13 turned the game in Rugumayo’s favour after another birdie, which ensured a 1-stroke lead thereafter.
But he fumbled with a bogey on the par-3 17, which Kasango finished with par, ensuring both golfers headed to the last hole all-square. They both scored par on the 18th to send the match into a sudden-death playoff.
They remained tied after both scored birdies and pars on the 12th and 17th, respectively, with the anxious gallery taking sides in support. On the decisive hole, as pressure mounted, both golfers missed the green with their second shots—Kasango landing on the left of the green as Rugumayo’s ball fell in the left bunker. Kasango made a superb chip, landing within one foot of the hole while Rugumayo’s chip fell five yards away. From distance, Rugumayo had to sink it in to force another playoff round but missed his target by an inch to lose the fight.
“It feels great to win this championship,” Kasango said. “I played safe throughout the four rounds, making sure I got to the greens on regulation, and when I did that, I knew I would win it. I also contained pressure in the last round. It is a morale-boosting win ahead of the Uganda Open.” Kasango added, “I thank Rugumayo for helping me to fix my putting. He tipped me that I needed to be near the ball, and it is working out perfectly for me. I also thank all my fans for the support and the UPGA and the sponsors, Absa, for ensuring we have a kitty to play for.”
Rugumayo, who plays on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa and returned following a surge in anti-immigrant sentiment and xenophobic violence, said he was happy for Kasango, who is a friend on and off the course.
“I had a slow start but hung in there. It is a great feeling to be back and playing with my local professionals,” Rugumayo said.
“We need to be there for each other in order to grow. Everyone needs someone who reminds them they can do it, and I have been there for him. Actually, Kasango owes me ten per cent for fixing his putting,” Rugumayo joked.
Final leaderboard
*Grace Kasango 66 69 75 68 278 -10
Ronald Rugumayo 67 67 74 70 278 -10
David Kamulindwa 72 73 67 71 283 -5
Marvin Kibirige 75 73 67 70 285 -3
Phillip Kasozi 73 72 70 73 288 E
Rodell Gaita 71 71 79 72 293 +5
Deo Akope 76 74 71 74 295 +7
Flavia Namakula 73 73 72 79 297 +9
Bulhan Matovu 76 75 78 70 299 +11
Vincent Byamukama 79 70 76 75 300 +12
Abraham Ainamani 70 76 76 78 300 +12
Herman Mutawe 75 75 76 75 301 +13
Herman Mutebi 77 73 76 76 302 +14
Silver Opio 72 79 80 74 305 +17
Tom Jingo 76 75 81 75 307 +19
Gerald Kabuye 75 75 77 82 309 +21