Rwanda Open Attracts 180 Golfers

Rwanda Golf Union president, Andrew Nkwandi addressing the media on Friday at Kigali Golf Course

The 2017 Rwanda golf Open scheduled for November 15-18 at the Kigali Golf Club in Nyarutarama has attracted 180 local and regional golfers, according to the Rwanda Golf Union.

Golfers, in both amateurs and professional categories coming from Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi, DR Congo, Trinidad and Tobago and hosts Rwanda will take part in the four-day tournament.

“We are grateful to our sponsors who have come to ensure the success of this year’s edition. We hope to host a top-notch tournament and plans are underway to facilitate the smooth running of the tournament and everyone is welcome to take part,” said Nkwandi.

Tigo Rwanda, Tele 10 group, Bank of Kigali and Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) are the sponsors of this year’s edition which will cost a total Rwf. 25 million with the winner set to pocket Rwf. 5m.

Some of the Rwandan golf players set to take part in this year’s edition include; Jules Dusabe, Ernest Ndayisenga, Olivier Munyaneza and the lone lady golfer is Jenny Linda Kalisa.

The amateurs include; Emmanuel Rutayisire, Alloys Nsabimana, Allan Niyonkuri, Emmanuel Nkurunziza and Leonard Nkurunziza, Patrick Uwumukiza, Emily Nshimiyimuremyi, Patrick Niyomwungeri, Benjamin Mukisa and Celestine Nsanzuwera.

The tournament will comprise different categories in the two events (subsidiary and the main event) to facilitate the different levels of golfers and these include men handicap between 10-28 and ladies (all handicaps) in the subsidiary event.

Tanzanian Joseph Victor is the defending champion after he won last year’s edition following his impressive performances as he finished with a 277 Net.

Rwanda’s Emmanuel Rutayisire finished in second place with 291 Net while Emmanuel Nkurunziza, with 292 Net, came in third position in the handicap 0-9 category.

Francois Habimana won the handicap 10-15 category ahead of Ugandan Adolf Muhumuza.

Ugandan Moses Masiiko won the award for the longest drive and the nearest to the pin 10th hole while Philip Sheetal retained the title in the women’s category.