Rwanda's Celestin Nsanzuwera in action during the second round of Betika Masters at VetLab Sports Club-min/HANDOUTSunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing (SDT–EAS) standout golfers Celestin Nsanzuwera and Rugumayo are excited after receiving invitations to compete in two Sunshine Tour tournaments in South Africa this month.
Nsanzuwera, Rwanda’s top-ranked golfer, and Ugandan Rugumayo will first compete at the Vodacom Origins of Golf at the Pezula Championship Course from November 20–23.
The event has a prize purse of Sh18.8 million. They will then head to the prestigious Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship at St Francis Links from November 27–30. The event is worth Sh 22.6 million in prize money.
“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," said Nsanzuwera.
"I have gained confidence from my wins and top finishes. I want to carry that momentum to South Africa. I will give my best and represent Rwanda and the East African region proudly."
These invitations position the duo among the elite African golfers competing at the highest levels of the sport and highlight the growing impact of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing in developing talent in the region.
Nsanzuwera has been among the tour’s most standout players this season, recording multiple victories at the Q-School in Naivasha, Diamonds Leisure Lodge, his home club Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, and top-three finishes at the Betika Masters held at VetLab Sports and Limuru Country clubs.
His consistency has propelled him to second place on the SDT Order of Merit with 1,088.33 points, behind Kenya’s Njoroge Kibugu.
Rugumayo’s invitation follows a strong run of performances across the SDT–EAS and the Big Easy Tour, where his consistency and technical growth have made him one of East Africa’s most reliable contenders.
“This opportunity means a lot,” he said. “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 always to keep improving, stay focused, and take these chances when they come. I’m ready to give it my all."
Sunshine Tour Commissioner Thomas Abt, said, “Celestin’s and Rugumayo’s progression into Sunshine Tour events is exactly what the Sunshine Development Tour was created for. Development tours are the engines that prepare players for the highest levels of professional golf.”
“What we are seeing with these two incredible golfers is a clear sign that East African golfers can, and will, compete on bigger stages. We congratulate the two and look forward to seeing many more players from the SDT–EAS follow this same pathway.”
SDT–EAS Tournament Director David Kihara added, “Celestin and Rugumayo are a perfect example of what consistent, structured competition can do for an athlete. Since the start of the season, their game has shown incredible maturity, technically, mentally, and strategically.”
“That is the value of this tour, giving players real opportunities to grow and create pathways into bigger events. We are confident they will hold their own in South Africa and that many more SDT players will follow in their footsteps.”
