Rugumayo Takes Commanding Lead in POA Series After Stellar 67

Ronald Rugumayo is in prime position to claim the 2026 Pearl of Africa (POA) Series title after an outstanding second day at Entebbe Club. The Ugandan golfer carded a brilliant seven-under-par 67, propelling him to an 11-under total and a comfortable three-stroke lead.

This latest surge in form echoes Rugumayo’s recent success, including his victory at the Uganda Professionals Golf Open and a dominant win at the MTN Pro Tee Series held at the same Entebbe course last week. His current form suggests he is a formidable contender for the $20,000 prize purse.

Rugumayo’s round on Friday saw him recover from an early bogey on the 10th hole with an eagle on the par-5 15th and a birdie on the 18th. He continued his strong play on the front nine, making birdies on four of the first five holes. “I changed my game plan” after the initial misjudgement on the 10th, Rugumayo explained.

He now leads a competitive field that includes Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko, who sits in second at eight-under, and South Africa’s Slade Pickering in third at seven-under. Okoko was the overnight leader at the Uganda Pros Open before Rugumayo overtook him, a dynamic that could repeat this weekend.

Other notable players in contention include Kenya’s Greg Snow (-6), Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel, England’s Matt Millar, and Uganda’s Willy Deus Kitata, all tied at five-under. South Africa’s Musiwalo Nethunzwi recorded the day’s best score with a 64 to move into a tie for eighth.

The cut for the final round was set at +2, with 15 Ugandan golfers, including three amateurs, making the grade. Rugumayo tees off on Saturday under pressure, aware of the expectations from his country.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/golf/rugumayo-sinks-64-to-lead-poa-series-5600860