-Nasazuwera carded a final bogey-free 5-under par 65 gross to finish on a round total of 10-under par 200 gross to secure the victory title that earned him Ksh 400,000 and 210 Order of Merit points.
-The best home challenge came from Kenya Railways’ Mike Kisia who closed with a 3-under 67 gross to finish third on around total of 6-under 204 gross.
-For Kenya, the result is a reminder that home advantage means little without closing rounds while it will now be looking to regroup and reclaim bragging rights as the Tour heads to Kigali Golf Resort & Villas from 11th, to 13th, September for the SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship, where Nsanzuwera is expected to defend his form in front of home fans.
PR AGENCY, NAIROBI, KENYA.
Kenya’s early celebration was cut short after bowing to pressure from Rwandese Celestin Nsanzuwera who fought bravely to claim victory in the Absa Ruiru Invitational of the Sunshine Development Tour (SUNDEV) East Africa Swing that concluded at the 18 holes par 73 Ruiru Sports Clun Course in Kiambu County on Tuesday.
Hosts Kenya had started round one strongly with Daniel Nduva, John Karichu and defending champion Dismas Indiza all sharing the lead, tied at the top on 2-under 68 gross each, but pressure mounted and the home challenge faded in the consequence rounds.
The Kigali Golf Resort & Villas professional Nsazuwera was ice-cold, carding a final bogey-free 5-under par 65 gross to finish on a round total of 10-under par 200 gross to snatch the overall title from under the noses of the home crowd.
This marks his second victory of the season that follows his earlier triumph at Thika Sports Club and also cements his place at the top of the Tour standings.
Nasazuwera victory came through birdies on 2, 6, 8, 10 and 15 holes that were enough to pull clear and secure him the title where he pocketed Ksh. 400,000 and 210 Order of Merit points.
“Winning twice this season gives me a lot of confidence heading to my home club leg next month. This again gives me huge confidence. The key was to avoid mistakes and take advantage of the opportunities I just stayed patient and avoided mistakes. When the chances came, I took them,” said Nsanzuwera.
Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko made it worse as he threatened with a late 5-under 65 gross that included an eagle on the par-5, 10th hole, to push his final total round of 7-under par 203 gross which was only enough for second place and earing him a Ksh. 227,000 prize money.
It was a bitter pill for Kenyan golfers and fans who had hoped one of their own would lift title trophy but despite a strong field, no Kenyan managed to break into the top two.
The best home challenge came from Kenya Railways’ Mike Kisia who closed with a 3-under 67 gross to finish third on around total of 6-under 204 gross and walked home with Ksh 153,000 with 116 Order of Merit points earned.
“To finish third against such a strong field is a big achievement for me. This gives me a lot of confidence going into the next events, we wanted the win for Kenya but this is how golf is,” said Kisia.
For Kenya, the result is a reminder that home advantage means little without closing rounds while it will now be looking to regroup and reclaim bragging rights as the Tour heads to Kigali Golf Resort & Villas from 11th, to 13th, September for the SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship, where Nsanzuwera is expected to defend his form in front of home fans.
The Ruiru leg that drew professionals and amateurs from across Africa competing for prize money and world ranking points was supported by Absa Bank Kenya as part of its commitment to grow professional Golf and create competitive pathways for emerging talent across the region.
ENDS.
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