Professional golfer Rugumayo plots for his busiest season ever
“Starting the year strong is rewarding because, as professional golfers, this is what we strive for. We dedicate significant time and make many sacrifices to achieve our goals,” Rugumayo said.
Ronald Rugumayo in action. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)
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South Africa-based Ugandan Sunshine Tour player Ronald Rugumayo has opened his 2026 season strongly as he prepares for what he expects to be the busiest year of his professional career.
Rugumayo began the season with a fourth-place finish at the Sunshine Development Tour Absa Invitational Series at Thika Greens in Nairobi last week.
He then returned to South Africa to compete in the BETWAY Big Easy Tour 10 at Ebotse Links, where he finished thirteenth with an overall score of one under 215 over 54 holes.
The result placed him among the 33 players who made the cut from a field of 72 and earned him 31.05 tour points.
“Starting the year strong is rewarding because, as professional golfers, this is what we strive for. We dedicate significant time and make many sacrifices to achieve our goals,” Rugumayo said.
He noted that the recent performances have boosted his confidence as he targets key milestones this season.
“I needed a strong result to secure a spot in the top 50. The top 50 will compete in the Big Easy playoffs, which begin next Tuesday, so this was another positive week for me.”
“The goal is to keep pushing into the top 12, as those players will earn the opportunity to compete in the Sunshine Tour next season.”
Rugumayo believes 2026 will be the busiest season of his career, with several events lined up outside Africa.
“I believe 2026 will be the busiest season of my career, as I have several events scheduled in Europe. I have mostly played in South Africa, but now I am eager to take on new challenges outside Africa,” he stated.
He is focused on building on the momentum from last year, which he described as the strongest season of his career.
“The 2025 season was highly positive. Like previous years, it offered valuable experiences, opportunities for learning, and personal growth. Golf is often measured by statistics, and by that standard, 2025 was my best season to date. I achieved improvements across nearly every aspect of my game.”
In addition to competing on the Big Easy Tour, Rugumayo plans to return for the Magical Kenya Open, scheduled for February 19 to 22 at Karen Country Club.
He will feature as one of two non-Kenyans, alongside Rwanda’s Celestine Nsanzuwera, both recognised as the leading non-Kenyan performers on the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing.