Ruterana vows to end Rwanda Open drought

Rwanda’s number two professional golfer, Emmanuel Ruterana is aiming to end a three-year title drought by winning this year’s Rwanda Open title which is slated for November 11-14 at the Par-18 Kigali Golf Club course in Nyarutarama. The annual tournament, which was supposed to take place in September, was postponed to November due to ongoing renovations on the course. Speaking to Times Sport early this week, Ruterana said his desire is to claim this year’s title and end a-three year drought. The 33-year-old has had a disappointing 2015 so far after missing the cut at the Uganda Open. “I carry out daily (4-hour) training sessions because I want to put myself in the best possible position to challenge for the title, it has been three years since I last won,” said the former Rwanda number one, who also noted that he wants to use home course advantage to boost his chances. Ruterana has won the Rwanda Open twice in 2011 and 2012. Last year’s edition was won by Rwanda’s number one Jean Baptiste Hakizimana (Professionals) while Emmanuel Rutayisire won in the Amateurs’ category. MTN Golf Open attracts over 80 golfers Meanwhile, this year’s MTN Golf Open tournament slated for October 10-11 at Kigali Golf Club has attracted over 80 golfers from around the region, according to the club captain Anthony Alwit. The annual Amateur event will mostly include local golfers and a couple of guest players from neighbouring Burundi and Uganda. However the number is expected to increase as more golfers are expected to confirm their participation. Alwit revealed that this year, the tournament will consist different categories including the children’s group aged 8-14,the ladies category, the Amateurs category and a special senior’s category of people aged above 60. He noted that the two-day stroke play tournament will also have the national team participate as a special group after MTN made an offer to put a special prize for them as they prepare to compete in the East African Challenge slated for November 17 at the Par-18 Kigali Golf Course in Nyarutarama. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Sports

Ruterana vows to end Rwanda Open drought