After a far from convincing display in last year’s Rwanda and Kenya Open, Rwanda’s number one Jean Baptiste Hakizimana is determined to make amends at the Barclays Kenya Open slated to be held at Karen Country golf Club on March 17-20. 

Yesterday morning he left for Nairobi, Kenya aboard Kenya Airways.

With a wealth of experience gained while in United States for almost the whole of 2015, the 29-year-old Hakizimana settled for the third place in last year’s Rwanda Open with a gross score of 295 trailing behind Kenya Veteran Dismas Ndiza who claimed the professionals’ top prize with a total gross score of 290 while home compatriot Emmanuel Ruterana came second also with a 295 gross score.

"Last year was not successful for me in this particular Open (Kenya Open) after missing a cut and I was not at my best during Rwanda Open, but I have had enough time to prepare myself for this year’s tournament and I am sure I will do amends,” said Hakizimana in an interview with Times Sport yesterday.

Last year, he shot 72 on the first day and 73 on day two before missing a cut by four shots in the tournament which was won by South African Haydn Porteous.

Hakizimana also revealed that he left for Kenya a bit earlier to compete in this year’s Jamii Telecom golf tournament that starts today and runs until Friday at Muthaiga golf club in Nairobi.

"I need to take part in this tournament which I think came at the right time before the main event which I hope will add me some experience,” he added

Earlier Rwanda had been given two slots by the organizers for this Prestigious European Challenge Tour expected to attract a total of 156 golfers from across the world but the slots were again reduced to only one leaving out second seed Emmanuel Ruterana who was also going to carry Rwanda’s flag.

Meanwhile, this year, the tournament will feature two foreign amateurs for the first time and these will be Ronald Otile from Uganda and Romain Langasque from France.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw