The 2018 edition of the annual MTN Rwanda Golf Open tournament is expected to attract over 180 golfers at the 9-hole Kigali Golf Club, in Nyarutarama.

The four-day event is scheduled for November 21-24.

According to officials at Kigali Golf Club, participants will come from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi, DR Congo, Nigeria, South Africa, Belgium and the hosts Rwanda.

"We are expecting a record 180 golfers in the competition this year, some from as far as Belgium. Besides the main sponsor MTN Rwanda, we have been able to secure corporate partners for the event such as Bralirwa, Simba supermarket and Bank of Kigali,” Kigali Golf Club captain Davis Kashaka told Times Sport on Tuesday.

Kashaka further said that he believes this year’s tournament will be thrilling and more competitive than any of the previous editions.

Some of the Rwandan golfers, in professional category, to spice up the tournament include; Ernest Ndayisenga, Jules Dusabe, and Olivier Munyaneza.

In the amateurs category, Emmanuel Rutayisire, Aloys Nsabimana, Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Celestine Nsanzuwera, John Thairu, Anthony Olwit, Joseph Semwaga, David Ryamilira, Chesco Rugumboka, Charles Ntare and Innocent Rutamu have confirmed their participation.

The competition is open to amateurs who will be battling for the best gross after four days, while the professionals will be competing for Rwf10 million of cash prize.

Last year, Aloys Nsabimana was crowned the best in handicap 9 category. 

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