Rwanda given single slot at Kenya Golf Open

READY:Golfer says he’s all set to compete Jean Baptist Hakizimana will be the only Rwandan golfer to compete in this year’s Kenya Open Golf Championships schdules for this weekend at Nairobi’s Muthaiga Golf Club.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Hakizimana will be the only Rwandan golfer at this yearu2019s Kenyan Open. The New Times / File.

READY:Golfer says he’s all set to competeJean Baptist Hakizimana will be the only Rwandan golfer to compete in this year’s Kenya Open Golf Championships schdules for this weekend at Nairobi’s Muthaiga Golf Club.Hakizimana confirmed the development, yesterday, saying that after denying Rwanda participation last year, "The organisers offered us just one slot even though we had requested for two.”"I had a discussion with (Emmanuel) Ruterana and we agreed that I should represent the country.  I have been training hard and look, forward to putting on a good performance,” added Hakizimana.The Kenya Open has been a regular event on the European Challenge Tour since 1991 which explains the big turn up of European golfers over the years.It is reported that on top of Africa’s top golfers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Nigeria and the East African region (Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda), about 100 golfers from the European Challenge Tour have entered the 42nd edition.The 2011 Barclays Kenya Open, attracted elite golfers from all over the world and is currently the second oldest event under the PGA European Challenge Tour.Kenya Open Golf Championship is an annual treat for international top golfers. It is an event that gives an opportunity to 100 players from the European Tour, 50 from within Africa- amongst who will be 19 local professionals and 6 amateurs challenging each other for a wonderful record.This year, the event’s prize money stands at Euros 190,000 (approx. Rwf 147.5m). Last year, the tournament was won by England’s Gary Boyd.