Rugumayo wins Pepsi Independence Golf pros tournament

Rugumayo birdied the par-four hole-No.1 to beat Opio who led after the first two rounds, to bag his second major win since turning pro.

 
Professional golfers Ronald Rugumayo and Silver Opio returned an overall eight-over-par 224 over 54 holes to top the Pepsi Independence Golf Tournament that ended at the Palm Valley Golf and Country Club on Tuesday.
 
But it is Rugumayo who will share out the biggest pay-cheque (sh7m) of the sh30m prize money while Opio will settle with sh4m after he was edged out in the sudden-death play-off that ensured after the tie.
 
Rugumayo birdied the par-four hole-No.1 to beat Opio who led after the first two rounds, to bag his second major win since turning pro. His first win was last during last year's Tusker Series.
 
"I didn't expect this win after my second round eight-over 80, so it came as a surprise and a bonus. I came from behind in 14th position to grab it," Rugumayo noted.
 
"I was only playing to enjoy in the last round as I looked for a reasonable position but I think I'm a ‘bad-man' when it comes to play-offs and chasing from behind; it is a sweet win and a good consolation for the Uganda Open loss," Rugumayo stated.
 
Rugumayo and Opio are fresh from cashing in from the JBG Open played at Entebbe Club last week where they also tied for third place alongside Phillip Kasozi and Abraham Ainemani on 219 gross each.
 
David Kamulindwa who missed the cut last week finished third with a gross score of 226 while Phillip Kasozi and Herman Mutaawe tied for fourth.
 
The pros will now turn their attention to the Kinyara Open that comes next in a week's time.
 
Top ten pros
 
Ronald Rugumayo 74 81 69 224
 
Silver Opio 75 72 77 224
 
David Kamulindwa 77 74 75 226
 
Phillip Kasozi 76 72 79 227
 
Herman Mutaawe 75 77 75 227  
 
Richard Baguma 79 72 78 229
 
Becca Mwanja 80 75 74 229
 
Abraham Ainamani 71 79 80 230
 
Henry Lujja 74 78 78 230
 
Fred Wanzala 79 74 77 230
 
Happy Robert 81 73 76 230
 
Brian Toolit 74 81 75 230