Rwanda’s number one professional golfer, Jean Baptiste Hakizimana has started early preps for a convincing performance at this year’s Kenya Open after failing to make cut at the 2014 edition.

This year’s Barclays Kenya Golf Open is slated for April 9-12 at the par 72 Karen Country Golf Course in Nairobi. Rwanda has only been offered one slot at the regional competition.

The 24-year-old, who is fresh from the United States, spent the last seven months training and competing in various competitions in USA and is currently training daily at Nyarutarma golf club for the Kenya Open, a tournament that is two months away.

The former Burundi Open Champion featured in 25 competitions during his 7 month stint in the USA and was also mentored by professional golf technicians, something he says has improved his game level.

"I’m more interested in this year’s Kenya Open than any other competition, I registered my worst performance at last year’s edition, missing the cut and this is my chance to erase the embarrassment,” Hakizimana told this paper.

He added,” The trip to the Unites States improved me alot, I had an opportunity to play in many competitions. However I will not be complacent.”

He also disclosed that in the meantime, he is looking for some warm-up competitions in Uganda and mid-March he will be heading to South Africa for a two-week boot camp.

Jake Roos, a South African professional is the reigning champion of the 4-day Barclays Kenya Open.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw