Golf: Rwanda’s Nsanzuwera eyes double shot at Sunshine Development Tour

Rwandan golfer Celestin Nsanzuwera is set to make his second appearance at the Su nshine Tour events – East Africa Swing (SDT-EAS) in South Africa, running from November 20–23. Nsanzuwera, who finished runner-up in the same tournament in June, will again face Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo as both compete for the 500,000 South African Rand (approx. Rwf42 million) first-week prize. Both golfers have also been invited to two major Sunshine Tour events namely Vodacom Origins of Golf at Pezula Championship Course and Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship which will take place at St. Francis Links from November 27–30, where the winner earns 3 million Rand (approx. Rwf 253 million). The two events are known to attract Africa’s highest-ranked professional golfers. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s Nsanzuwera finishes second at international tourney in Kenya Nsanzuwera, who was received by Rwandan envoy to South Africa Emmanuel Hategeka upon arrival in Johannesburg, said the opportunity marks a major step in his career, crediting the SDT-EAS for sharpening his form. “Playing two Sunshine Tour events is a big step for me and my career. My goal this season has been to test myself against the best, and the SDT –EAS has prepared me well,” Nsanzuwera said. “I have gained confidence from my wins and top finishes, and I want to carry that momentum to South Africa. I will give my best and represent Rwanda and the East African region proudly.” Nsanzuwera’s invitation places him among the elite African golfers competing at the highest levels of the sport and further highlights the growing impact of golf in Rwanda and the role of the Sunshine Development Tour–East Africa Swing in nurturing world-class talent. ALSO READ: Nsanzuwera wins 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Golf Open He has been one of the tour’s standout performers this season, recording multiple victories at the Q-School in Naivasha, Diamonds Leisure Lodge, his home club Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, and consistent top three finishes in the recent Kenyan legs at the Betika Masters held at VetLab Sports Club and Limuru Country Club. He currently ranks second on the SDT Order of Merit with 1,088.33 points, behind Kenya’s Njoroge Kibugu. ALSO READ: Nsanzuwera triumphs in Kigali to claim SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship Meanwhile, Rugumayo has also impressed this season, particularly with a joint-second finish at the Big Easy Tour 8 at Killarney Country Club in Johannesburg earlier in November. This stands out as the best Big Easy Tour result by an East African golfer. “This opportunity means a lot,” Rugumayo said after receiving the invitation. “The SDT–EAS has kept us competitive all year, and playing in South Africa recently gave me the belief that I can compete at this level. The goal is to keep improving, stay focused, and take these chances when they come. I’m ready to give it my all,” he added. Sunshine Tour officials praised the pair as examples of how the SDT-EAS is elevating East African golfers to top-tier competition. “Celestin and Rugumayo’s progression into Sunshine Tour events is exactly what the Sunshine Development Tour was created for. Development tours prepare players for the highest levels, and these two golfers show that East African players can compete on bigger stages,” said Sunshine Tour Commissioner Thomas Abt. David Kihara, SDT-EAS Tournament Director, also described the two golfers as perfect examples of what such consistent and structured competition can do for athletes. “Their game has matured technically, mentally, and strategically. We are confident they will hold their own in South Africa, and many more SDT players will follow,” he said. Nsanzuwera’s participation in the Sunshine Tour marks another major step in strengthening East Africa’s presence in continental golf. He became the latest beneficiary of the Sunshine Tour’s integration with the SDT–EAS, which continues to offer players OWGR ranking points, international exposure, and pathways into some of the continent’s most competitive fields.

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Golf: Rwanda’s Nsanzuwera eyes double shot at Sunshine Development Tour