Rwanda’s number one golfer Jean Baptiste Hakizimana is keen on lifting this year’s Kabale Open Golf tournament that tees off on April 4 in Kabale, western Uganda.

Hakizimana, who has just returned from the USA where he spent the last eight months training on different courses in over five states is keen on replicating his form in 2013 when he lifted the trophy after beating Ugandan pros like Deo Akope.

In an exclusive interview with Times Sport Hakizimana said, "I am mentally stronger and I have improved my putting and my stroke is now good. I have a very good feeling about it. During my stay in the USA, I learnt that I need to enjoy the game. Before I used to want to win by force but now I know that I should enjoy the game as well.”

In 2013, Hakizimana shot 68 strokes on day one and 67 on day two at the par 70 course to emerge victorious but he is quick to admit that he has since learnt that the course has changed.

"I have been informed that the greens have changed but that is not a big problem. It is raining a lot in Kabale during this part of the year but that is okay because I played on several courses in the USA during the winter so adjusting will not be a problem,” explained the optimistic Hakizimana.

Hakizimana alongside country-mates Emmanuel Ruterana and Ernest Ndayisenga are expected to travel today, early enough to test the course before the tournament on Saturday.

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