Rugumayo makes cut in the Vodacom Origins of Golf Championship

Ronald Rugumayo, Uganda’s sole representative in the Sunshine Tour, made the cut for the first time this year in South Africa on his third attempt in Stellenbosch.

The Ugandan pro carded 139 (69, 70) over two rounds to make the cut in the Vodacom Origins of Golf at the Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate course, September 26-28, before a third-round 77 placed him 54th out 58, in the sh400m prize money event that attracted 131 players including five DP World Tour players.

Earlier this year, Rugumayo attempted to qualify for the Investec South Africa Open and the Joburg Open over an eight-day period but was unsuccessful in advancing. He continued to prepare for the Sunshine Tour with strong performances in local and regional events, and ultimately succeeded when he returned south.

“I should say it has been a good week and am pleased the way I played. It was a strong field with five DP World Tour players. Thanks to everyone for the support. Not giving up is the goal,” the MTN and Johnnie Walker-sponsored player stated.

South African Jacques Kruyswijk beat his compatriot George Coetzee with a par on the second hole of their playoff to claim the fourth Sunshine Tour title and the first of his career. Bothe golfers had tied on 203 after the three rounds.

Following his performance at the championship course, Rugumayo competed on Monday in the Betway Big Easy Blu Label Unlimited Invitational 4 at Reading Country Club in Alberton. There, Rugumayo finished joint eleventh out of a field of 118 players, after rounds of two and three-under 70 and 69. After the first-round weather delays the tournament was decided over 36 holes with round three cancelled.

Rugumayo is yet to find significant success on the Sunshine Tour, making only one cut with minimal earnings in nine events last year. He is currently an affiliate of the Sunshine Tour and still at the lower levels, and can only continue working his way up the Sunshine Tour categories. There are levels and standards that he is supposed to attain before even competing in more lucrative competitions over there.

The Sunshine Tour is a series of professional golf tournaments in South Africa, relaunched in 2000. The tour represents the highest level of competition for male professional golfers in the region. The tour is primarily based in South Africa, with additional events held in Zimbabwe.