Rwandan golfer Celestin Nsanzuwera rose to the occasion on home soil, producing a composed final-round performance to win the SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship at Kigali Golf Resort and Villas, part of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.
Nsanzuwera carded a closing 2-under par 70 for a 15-under par 201 total, cruising to victory by five strokes.
His final round featured birdies on the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 16th, and 18th holes, offset by bogeys at the 2nd, 11th, and 13th.
“This win means a lot to me, especially here at home in Kigali,” said Nsanzuwera.
“There was pressure, but I trusted my game plan. The birdie at 18, in front of the fans, was a special moment. Having played every leg of this Tour, I feel my game is improving, and this gives me confidence for what’s ahead.”
The victory earned him USD 5,000 from the USD 25,000 purse.
South Africa’s Adam Breen made the biggest Sunday charge with a flawless 6-under 66, securing second place at 10-under par 206.
His birdies at the 1st, 6th, 8th, 13th, 17th, and 18th holes highlighted a sparkling finish.
“Everything clicked today,” Breen said.
“I put pressure on the leader, but he played outstanding golf all week. For me, this result brings plenty of positives going forward.”
Compatriot Haydn Porteous, a two-time DP World Tour winner and 2015 Kenya Open champion, closed with a 2-under 70 to claim third at 8-under par 208.
Uganda’s Gaita Rodell and South Africa’s Travis Procter tied for fourth on 7-under par 209.
Kenya’s Eric Ooko led the East African charge, finishing sixth at 6-under par 210, while Greg Snow and John Wangai tied for eighth on 4-under 212.
Amateurs Michael Karanga and John Lejirma impressed with a share of 12th place on 1-under par 215.
The SportsBiz Africa Golf championship attracted 121 players from 16 African nations, as well as the UK and Canada.
The event was sponsored by SportsBiz Africa, East African Breweries PLC through the Johnnie Walker brand, Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, and Pure Travel.
As the fifth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, the tournament provided not only a USD 25,000 prize purse but also crucial Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points, Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.