Rwanda Open: Snow, Nsanzuwera lead East African charge

Kenya’s Greg Snow and Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera were among the standout East African performers at the inaugural Rwanda Open, a Sunshine Tour event held at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas from September 24 to 27.

Nsanzuwera produced a strong performance on home soil, finishing tied for 25th on 14-under-par 274 after rounds of 68, 69, 70 and 67.

His final-round 67 was his best score of the tournament and saw him finish as the leading player from the region.

Kenya’s Greg Snow also enjoyed an impressive outing, tying for 35th on 12-under-par 276. Snow opened with a 68, followed that with a superb 66 in the second round and another 68 in the third before closing with a 74.

Uganda’s Willy Deus Kitata was the next-best finisher among the Sunshine Development Tour players, tying for 50th on six-under-par 282 after rounds of 71, 69, 70 and 72.

His compatriot Kasango Grace finished tied for 56th on five-under-par 283, while Kenya’s Adel Balala and Njoroge Kibugu shared 61st place on three-under-par 285.

Balala, competing as an amateur, carded rounds of 68, 69, 78 and 70, while Kibugu returned scores of 72, 68, 68 and 77.

Kenya’s Jastas Madoya and Uganda’s Gaita Tadeo Rodell finished tied for 63rd on two-under-par 286.

The performances highlighted the opportunities available through the Sunshine Development Tour, which provides a pathway for players from across the region to test themselves against established Sunshine Tour professionals and gain experience at a higher level.

The Rwanda Open marked the first Sunshine Tour event to be staged in Rwanda and formed part of the Tour’s broader push to expand opportunities for African golfers.

South Africa’s Kyle de Beer claimed the inaugural title in dominant fashion, finishing six shots clear at 27-under-par 261 after rounds of 66, 65, 66 and 64. The victory was De Beer’s first Sunshine Tour title.