Evans Mose and Sheetal Philip emerged winners of the third edition of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour qualifiers which concluded at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas on Saturday, October 18.
Organised by BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, the golf tournament attracted more than 200 golfers competing from various categories, both men and women.
The men’s division was grouped into handicap brackets (0–9, 10–18, and 19–28), alongside a senior category for players aged 50 and above while the women’s division featured two handicap brackets (0–18 and 19–36).
In the men’s handicap 0–9 category, Evans Mose produced an impressive score of 41 points, earning him the first place. He was followed by James Muigai with 40 points, while Antoine Larson finished third with 37 points.
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In the women’s handicap 0–18, Sheetal Philip topped the leaderboard with 39 points, followed closely by Mellissa Akanigi with 38. Jenny Linda finished third with 33 points.
"Today’s experience was great. I really loved my course. It rained a bit, but that didn’t affect my play. I stayed focused and had a very good time,” said Philip after an impressive performance on her debut appearance in the tournament.
Four outstanding Rwandan golfers from different handicaps were selected to represent the country at the grand finale which will take place in Kenya on December 15.
Philip, who was born in India but holds Rwandan citizenship, and Akanigi will join Patrick Murenga and Willy Rugema to form the Rwandan team, which will compete against 27 other teams that qualified from their respective countries.
Murenga and Rugema stood out in the men’s handicap 10–18 category where they both scored 42 points enough to land places in the Rwandan team. Robert Bafakulera followed closely with 40 points.
Elsewhere, Ben Kanzira totaled 38 points to claim first place in men’s handicap 19–28, followed by Richard Mugisha, who trailed by one point.
In the women’s handicap 19–36, Roselyne Munyana topped with 36 points, narrowly edging out Wanjiku Irene, who finished second with the same score but lost on countback.
The senior (50 ) category was won by Louis Kamanzi with 37 points, followed by David Rwiyamirira and Joseph Semwaga, both tied at 35 points.
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During a gala dinner held at Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Golf Club President Marcel Byusa commended all participants and encouraged those who didn’t make it to the podium to prepare better for future competitions.
"Thanks to BPR Bank, hosting this tour has attracted a high level of VIP guests. I congratulate the winners and urge others to plan for next competitions,” Byusa said.
Patience Mutesi Gatera, the Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, highlighted the importance of the tour and its regional impact, noting that the series have so far covered 12 countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda.
"As BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, our involvement in this event goes beyond sponsorship. It’s part of our broader commitment to investing in people, promoting wellness through sports, and driving sustainable development in the communities we serve,” Mutesi said.
At the Grand Finale in Kenya, the overall winning team will receive KSh 1 million (approximately Rwf 11.2 million), which will support a sustainability initiative at their home club. Additionally, the winners will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai, courtesy of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc.