Ronald Rugumayo wrote his name into the history books as he became the first Ugandan golfer to make the cut at a DP World Tour event courtesy of a clutch birdie putt on the last hole at the Magical Kenya Open.

Ronald Rugumayo wrote his name into the history books as he became the first Ugandan golfer to make the cut at a DP World Tour event courtesy of a clutch birdie putt on the last hole at the Magical Kenya Open. Ranked 2,901 in the Official World Golf Ranking prior to the event, Rugumayo made history at the event last year when he became the first Ugandan to make a hole-in-one on Tour. 

But the 31-year-old has done even better this time, sinking a nervy, downhill birdie putt on the par-five 18th to make the cut on the number and spark wild celebrations from those in attendance.  Rugumayo played 15 events across the DP World Tour, Sunshine Tour and Big Easy Tour in 2023 but made just three cuts in total. By making the weekend at Muthaiga Golf Course, he now guarantees himself a paycheck of at least $4,750.

“Pressure is normal. It happens to everyone. But one thing I like about pressure when it comes is that you are playing for something good. If you are playing for free, you can’t feel pressure, so every time I feel pressure, it is a reminder that I am playing for something good,” Rugumayo said when asked about his nerves coming down the last.

In terms of feel-good moments over the course of this year, it will be hard to top the scene of elation as Rugumayo holed a birdie putt on the final hole to make the cut at Magical Kenya Open. As the second round drew towards a close, the 31-year-old golfer created some fantastic theatre to the delight of fans surrounding the 18^th green. The putt was far from easy, measuring 10 feet and the right-to-left break required careful judgement down the slope.

Ronald Rugumayo’s putt on the par-4 ninth green of the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Club during the Magical Kenya Open during round two, of course, wasn’t the greatest piece of magic ever witnessed on a golf course. But for its sheer significance, it was huge! So huge that it made him the first-ever Ugandan to make the cut on the DP World Tour and also the only East African to make the grade on the day – Luke Donald, former World Golf Champion.

Three quarters of the way along, it appeared the putt would miss on the high side, but, as Rugumayo sank to his knees almost in hope more than expectation, his ball trickled its way into the right edge of the hole – to the thunderous roar from the fans watching on. This meant something, not only to the player.

“It feels great, of course, but this was not about making the cut for me as a player and my country, Uganda. I did it for East Africa. I played for the rest of the East African players who did not make it.

“I believe it could have been someone else among my Kenyan colleagues. Coming into this tournament, my aim was not just about making the cut but to finish in a good position. I have not reached my target,” he added.

On the huge crowd following him: “When you are playing in such an event, you will obviously have all sorts of pressure, but so long as you focus on your game, it does not bother you. I do not pay much attention to whoever is following me as I focus on my game because I know I have a task to perform and that keeps me going.”

Rugumayo demonstrated more of his battling spirit as he found three birdies in the final four holes of his third round to sign off for a level-par round of 71 and remain even for the tournament heading into the final day. His name on everyone’s lips at Muthaiga and in his home country Uganda. He attracted the biggest gallery, fielded more interviews than anyone else and had 40-minute commentary gig with the DP World Tour analysts, and his game barely disappointed. Rugumayo knew that he was competing not just for Uganda but East Africa as a whole, and he duly accepted the challenge.

“Ronald Rugumayo’s putt on the par-4 ninth green of the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Club during the Magical Kenya Open during round two, of course, wasn’t the greatest piece of magic ever witnessed on a golf course. But for its sheer significance, it was huge! So huge that it made the Tooro Golf Club player the first-ever Ugandan to make the cut on the DP World Tour (European Tour), and also the only East African to make the grade on the day,” said Luke Donald, a former World Golf Champion.

Deo Akope, captain of Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA), who followed proceedings on TV back in Kampala was equally exhilarated.

“What Rugumayo has done is earn us, Ugandan professionals – respect at the top level. He has opened the doors for us and now they will take us more seriously. The DP World Tour is a significant event for the region, and anyone who makes the cut achieves something big,” said Akope

A busy year awaits Rugumayo as he prepares to play in a number of tournaments domestically in Uganda, Kenya on the Safari Tour, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa in the Sunshine Tours.