THE 18TH edition of the Rwanda Golf Open tournament teed off yesterday at the Par 72 Kigali Golf Club in Nyarutarama, attracting 130 professional and amateur golfers.

The tournament whose theme is "Celebrating 20 years of Liberation” has been sponsored by Equity Bank, GOtv and Serena Hotel.

A record number of over 100 amateur and 30 professional players from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and host Rwanda are taking part in the four-day tournament.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Rwanda Golf Union’s Andrew Nkwandi said that Rwf27m has been injected in the tournament to cater for organisation and prize money costs.

"We are expecting a good tournament and we thank our sponsors for supporting this tournament. We intend to have such successful tournaments every year,” added Nkwandi.

Yesterday’s action witnessed a 72 holes’ gross and net action of players with handicaps 0-9 and the professionals.

The rest of the pack is teeing off today with 36 holes (net) of players with handicaps 10-28 (men) and the ladies of all handicaps.

Defending champion, Aphrodis Nyirinkwaya looks forward to retaining the title he narrowly won last year having beaten compatriot, Jules Mutesa and Ugandan, Willy Deus Kitata on count back in the amateur category.

Other Rwandan home talents, Celestin Habineza and Patrick Uwumukiza will be the other players to watch.

Professionals

Rwandan trio of Jean Baptiste Hakizimana, Emmanuel ‘Ruremesha’ Ruterena and Ernest Ndayisenga are expected to give Ugandan top pro player , Deo Akope and a couple of Kenyans Dismas Indiza and David Odhiambo a run for their money.

"We have been training and assessing each other’s performance on a daily basis. There is a big chance for the trophy to remain on home turf,” Hakizimana said recently.

Hakizimana recently landed an invite to the prestigious Tony Jacklin West Florida golf tour set for August to December in the US later this year.

Uganda’s top professional, Akope is eager to put up a gallant performance.

"I will play my normal game and hope to finish top,” the MTN sponsored golfer told Ugandan media this week.