Sunshine Tour
Uganda’s top golf export, Ronald Rugumayo, has called on professional golfers from Kenya and across East Africa to seize the opportunity presented by the newly-launched Sunshine Development Tour, noting it could be the game-changer the region has long needed.
Rugumayo, 32, is among the 90 players teeing off today in the opening leg of the tour at the par-72 Thika Greens Golf Resort.
The 54-hole tournament, which runs through Thursday, boasts a Sh2 million prize purse, with the winner set to walk away with Sh400,000.
“We have to take advantage of this new tour because at the end of the day, it is good for us and the game in the region. When it comes to professional golf, the more you play, the better you get."
"Over the years, we haven’t been playing enough, and maybe that’s why we haven’t performed to people’s expectations at events like the Kenya Open. This tour is going to give us enough exposure to change that,” Rugumayo said.
The Ugandan trailblazer, who made history earlier this year as the first from his country to make the cut at the DP World Tour’s Kenya Open, returns to Kenya with purpose and pride.
For Rugumayo, the country evokes powerful memories—from his humble beginnings as a caddy to his rise as a mainstay on the Sunshine Tour circuit.
"Kenya is my second home and I feel great being here once again," he said.
Rugumayo, who has featured on the Sunshine Tour since the 2023/2024 season, believes the tour’s expansion into the region marks a pivotal moment for East African golf.
“When it comes to golf in this region, Kenya stands tall. And now with this tour, we have the platform to nurture and showcase talent across the board.”
He also urged corporate sponsors to step up and back the initiative, emphasising that the future of golf in the region hinges on consistent investment and belief in local talent.
“I humbly call upon all corporates to come and join hands and support this tour. If you have someone you’re supporting, keep supporting them—they are the ones who will raise the country’s flag high."
"This is a dream come true for the game of golf in our region, and I thank the brains behind this tour for promoting golf here," Rugumayo noted. Following the Thika Greens leg, the second event of the swing tees off next week at Ruiru Sports Club, carrying an identical Sh2 million prize pot.
