RWANDA’s elite golfer Emmanuel Ruterana is still in the dark about his involvement in this year’s prestigious Barclays Kenya Open Golf Championship slated to run from March 31 – April 3 at Muthaiga Golf Club.

With just eight days to tee-off, Ruterana, who has been locked in serious training at Kigali Golf Club, seems to be running impatient.

"Up to now, I haven’t received my invitation which is very annoying because it is affecting my preparations,” the 29-year-old fumed.

"I have tried to inquire from the tournament organizers but they keep telling me to be patient,” he added.

About 150 golfers will be battling for the €190,000 (Rwf160m) prize money.

Africa will be showcasing 50 players from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Egypt, Uganda, Rwanda and Swaziland. Kenya will have at least 15 Professional golfers in the 43rd edition.

The Open was first played in 1967 and is the oldest Championship on the African Leg of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) European Challenge Tour. It has since produced numerous noteworthy displays of golfing finesse. In previous years, the event has been won by Gary Boyd (2009) and Eduardo Molinari (2007), both of whom have since excelled on The European Tour.

Expected to grace the tournament this year are seasoned players like Iain Pyman – past winner of Kenya open and most prolific winner on the tour with 8 wins to his credit, Andre Bossert who won the 1992 tournament at Muthaiga, Gboyega Oyebanji and Lateef Lasisi from Nigeria, Chris Gerhaty (Egypt), Scott Drummond (former PGA tour winner including Volvo PGA Championship in 2004), Tongo Charamba and Ignatius Mketekete from Zimbabwe among others.

A brand new Toyota Prado valued at Kshs 8.5milion (Rwf59.5m) is also at stake for the first professional player to hole out in 1 at the 13th hole.

Ends