THE 17TH edition of Rwanda Golf Open starts today at the Kigali Golf Club in Nyarutarama with defending champion Jules Mutesa keen to retain his title.According to the organizers, Rwanda Golf Union, over 100 golfers from the East African region are expected to compete in the four-day tournament, which will be played in three categories, the professionals, handicap 0-9 and handicap 10-28 plus the ladies.Handicap 0-9 and the professionals start today, while handicap 10-28 and the ladies will play for two days, Friday and Saturday."We have had good rains, the course is in very good condition and we’re ready for the competition to begin,” the president of Kigali Golf Union, Andrew Nkwandi told a news conference held at the Kigali Golf Club on Tuesday.This year’s Open is sponsored by Rwanda Development Bank (RDB), Aqua Sipi drinking water, Computer Point, Bralirwa, Sulfo Industries, Bourbon Coffee and Source Oil.Apart from hosts Rwanda, other participants are coming from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi.Defending champions Mutesa, a key member of the national team, is confident about his chances of retaining the trophy, "I am calm, and today (Tuesday) I have decided to take a rest from training as I wait for the tomorrow (Wednesday’s tee off).”"This competition needs no pressure, so I know what I need to do and I am quite sure I can defend my title. It’s a strong field, especially the guys from Uganda but I have nothing to fear,” he told Times Sport yesterday.