Rwanda’s number one golfer, Celestin Nsanzuwera, believes a razor-sharp short game will be the decisive weapon as he chases glory at the fifth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing set for September 3-5.
Dubbed the SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship, the tournament will be staged at the Kigali Golf Resort and Villas. Nsanzuwera has been one of the revelations of the inaugural Swing, matching stride for stride with the region’s finest.
His campaign has already sparkled with consistency; a runner-up finish at Thika Greens, seventh at Ruiru and a memorable triumph at the SunDev East Africa Johnnie Walker Classic in Diani, where he outduelled Kenyan veteran Dismas Indiza in a dramatic final-round shootout to claim the title.
That breakthrough win not only showcased his rising pedigree but also catapulted him to the summit of the Order of Merit with 579 points, ahead of Kenya’s Njoroge Kibugu and Indiza, who trail in second and third, respectively.
Earlier this season, Nsanzuwera had already underlined his potential by clinching the Q-School qualifier at the Great Rift Valley Golf Resort. Nsanzuwera highlighted that his training has been laser-focused on consistency and fine-tuning the short game. “I’ve been working hard to fine-tune my game, focusing a lot on consistency and short-game sharpness."
"Being here in Kigali has allowed me to adjust to the course conditions and the altitude, making sure every practice round is purposeful. It’s been a mix of physical preparation, course management, and mental focus,” he said. For Nsanzuwera, his biggest focus has been on his putting and approach play after the first four legs of the Sunshine tour.
“The biggest focus has been on my putting and approach play. Those tournaments showed me that my long game is in good shape, but converting opportunities on the greens is what really separates a top finish from a win."
The Rwandan ace knows he will need all of that composure against a strong field, but insists he feels primed for another title tilt. "I’ve also been working on staying patient under pressure and making smart decisions when the conditions get tough.”
Competing at home, he admits, brings a different kind of motivation. “It’s a special feeling, there’s nothing like competing in front of your own people. I know the course well, and that definitely helps with course management and shot selection. The home support will be a huge motivation for me to perform at my best.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Nsanzuwera hailed the Sunshine Development Tour’s East Africa Swing as a game-changer. "Having OWGR points on offer is a big step forward for golf in this region because it opens doors to bigger events worldwide. Being part of this Tour feels like laying a foundation not only for my own career but for future generations of East African golfers.”
The 54-hole showdown in Kigali will draw an elite field of professionals and amateurs from Africa, Europe and North America, with Sh3.2 million (USD 25,000) in prize money, as well as Order of Merit, OWGR and WAGR points at stake.
