Olapade joins Rugumayo at the top of Uganda Open Professionals Golf Championship

Nigerian professional golfer Sunday Olapade shot a 5-under 67 in the second round, joining overnight leader Ronald Rugumayo of Uganda at the top of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Professionals Golf Championship leaderboard at Kitante on Thursday.

Olapade, who was one stroke outside the top ten after the first round, moved into a tie for first with Rugumayo, who shot a 2-under 70 in the second round. Both golfers now have a total of 139 strokes after 36 holes.

Olapade made two eagles on the first two holes, then added a birdie on the par-5 8th to finish 4-under at the turn. He continued with birdies on holes 11 and 13 before recording his first bogey on the par-4 14th. Another bogey on 16 followed, but he remains tied with Rugumayo heading into the third round.

Rugumayo maintained top spot after the second round. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Rugumayo also had a strong round, recording four birdies and an eagle on the par-5 13th. He extended his lead to 7-under before double bogeys on the par-4 15th and 18th slowed his progress in humid conditions. Hole 18 may prove challenging for Rugumayo, as he also bogeyed it in the first round.

“The conditions are tough, and about the 18th hole, that is golf for you. One hole can become a hindrance in a tournament,” Rugumayo said.

US-based Willy Kitata also made the cut. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Other Ugandans among the 37 players advancing to the final two rounds include David Kamulindwa, Hussein Bagalana, Willy Deus Kitata, Davis Kato, Grace Kasango, John Musiimenta, Abbey Bagalana, Abraham Ainamani, and Joseph Cwinyaai, from a field of 115 entries.

Despite failing to make the cut, Ugandan Henry Lujja signed off with a hole-in-one on the par 3 hole 4.

Round 2: Top ten & ties

Sunday Olapade (NIG) 72 67 139
Ronald Rugumayo (UG) 69 70 139