Rugumayo qualifies for the Big Easy Tour final in South Africa
The play off event was the penultimate tournament of the season before the final due at the Waterkloof Golf Club, March 17-19.
Ronald Rugumayo in action during the Uganda Open at Mehta Golf Club in Lugazi. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Ronald Rugumayo, a Ugandan professional golfer based in South Africa, qualified for the Betway Big Easy Tour Final after finishing 14th among 31 golfers in the playoff at Modderfontein Golf Club in Johannesburg yesterday.
The Play Off event was the penultimate tournament of the season before the final due at the Waterkloof Golf Club, March 17-19.
Only the top 40 players on the Order of Merit competed at Modderfontein, and only the top 30 after that, will be eligible for the final.
The Betway Big Easy Tour is the Sunshine Tour’s feeder circuit and enjoys the support of the legendary Ernie Els, among other patrons. Twelve slots will be on offer to play at the Sunshine Tour Final Qualifying School for a chance to secure additional Sunshine Tour cards for the outstanding golfers.
At Modderfontein, Rugumayo once again showed that consistency and hard work can be rewarding by finishing with a 2-under 214 in 54 holes. He notched 9 birdies, 35 pars, and 5 bogies over the three rounds to continue with his perfect run in the new season.
“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.
“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.”
In addition to the Big Easy Tour events, Rugumayo plans to return to compete in the Magical Kenya Open, scheduled for February 19-22 at the Karen Country Club. He will participate as one of two non-Kenyans, alongside Rwandan Celestine Nsanzuwera, both of whom are recognized as the top non-Kenyan performers in the Sunshine Development Tour-East Africa Swing tournaments.