-Erick Ooko placed the highest ranked Kenyan as country mates Greg Snow and Charles Wangai among the top ten leaders.
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS.
Rwanda’s own Celestin Nsanzuwera delivered a masterful final round to claim the SportsBiz Africa Golf Champion in the fifth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour-East Africa Swing at the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas in Rwanda on Friday.
Playing under the weight of home expectations, Nsanzuwera showcased composure and class to close his final round on 2-under par 70 gross, bringing his tournament total to 15-under par 201 gross and sealing victory by a commanding five strokes.
His round included birdies on the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 16th, and 18th holes, offset by bogeys on the 2nd, 11th, and 13th.
“This win means a lot to me, especially here at home in Kigali. There was pressure, but I stayed focused on my game plan and trusted the preparation I’ve put in. The birdie on 18 was a special moment, in front of the fans, and it gave me a lot of pride to deliver this win for Rwanda. Having competed in every leg of this Tour so far, I feel my game is growing stronger with each event, and this victory gives me confidence heading into the next legs, “said Nsanzuwera who took home USD 5,000 of the USD 25,000 prize purse.
South Africa’s Adam Breen mounted the biggest charge of the day, producing a scintillating blemish-free round of 6-under par 66 to finish second with a total of 10-under par 206 gross.
Breen’s round featured birdies on the 1st, 6th, 8th, 13th, 17th, and 18th holes, a stretch of brilliance that confirmed him as one of the standout performers of the week and was awarded USD 2,675 for his runner-up finish.
“Today was one of those rounds where everything clicked. I gave myself a lot of chances and managed to convert on the back nine to put some pressure on the leader. He played great golf all week and fully deserves the win. For me, this finish gives me a lot of positives to build on for future events,” said Breen.
Compatriot Haydn Porteous, a two-time DP World Tour champion and the 2015 Kenya Open winner, finished third with a final tally of 8-under par 208 after a composed 2-under par 70 gross.
Porteous recorded birdies on the 4th, 7th, 12th, and 13th holes, but dropped shots on the 8th, 14th, and 15th, closing with steady pars across the remaining holes and earned USD 1,810 for his performance.
“It’s been fantastic to be here in Kigali and to experience the growth of golf in East Africa firsthand. The course was in great condition and provided a real test. I played solidly, but I left a few shots out there. Still, to see players from across Africa competing at this level is very encouraging for the game. I’m happy with my week and looking forward to the next events,” said Porteous.
In fourth place, Uganda’s Gaita Rodell and South Africa’s Travis Procter tied at 7-under par 209 gross each with both delivering consistent performances throughout the three days.
Kenya’s Eric Ooko finished as the highest-ranked Kenyan, taking 6th place on 6-under par 210 gross while country mates Greg Snow and John Wangai also featured prominently, both finishing in the top ten with a tie for 8th at 4-under par 212 gross each.
Among the elite amateurs, Kenya’s Michael Karanga and John Lejirma emerged as the highest finishers, tying in 12th place with tournament totals of 1-under par 215 gross.
The SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship attracted a high-quality field of 121 golfers from 16 countries across Africa, alongside participants from 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.
FINAL TOP TEN LEADERS AND TIES.
Celestin Nsanzuwera (Rwanda)-68-63-70-201 gross, Adam Breen (South Africa)-71-69-66-206 gross, Haydn Porteous (South Africa)-69-69-70-208 gross, Gaita Tadeo Rodell (Uganda)-71-69-69-209 gross,
Travis Procter (South Africa)-69-69-71-209 gross, Erick Ooko Obura (Kenya)-69-70-71-210 gross,Visitor Mapwanya (Zimbabwe)-68-73-70-211 gross, Joshua Seale (Uganda)-73-72-67-212 gross, Greg Snow (Kenya)-74-69-69-212 gross, C.J.Wangai (Kenya)-69-69-74-212 gross.
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