Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera held his nerve in a dramatic final stretch to win the opening leg of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing, which concluded after three days of action at the par-71 Thika Sports Club.
The Kigali Golf Resort professional, who began the final round as the leader, signed for a level-par round to finish on 4-under par 209, sealing the title by a single stroke and claiming the first trophy of the new season.
Nsanzuwera produced a composed display for most of the round, with birdies on holes 1, 7, 8, 13 and 15, and at one point opened up a commanding four-shot lead.
However, the closing holes brought late drama as he dropped a bogey on the 16th, a double bogey on the 17th, and another bogey on the 18th.
Despite the stumble, the Rwandan kept his composure to close out victory and underline his growing status as one of East Africa’s leading professionals.
“I’m very happy to win the first tournament of the season,” Nsanzuwera said. “It was not easy today because there was pressure, especially over the closing holes, but I stayed focused and trusted myself. Winning early gives me confidence and momentum for the season.”
For his victory, Nsanzuwera earned KSh 400,000 from the KSh 2 million prize purse, alongside 210 Order of Merit points to take an early lead in the season standings.
Kenya Railway Golf Club’s Samuel Njoroge and newly turned professional Michael Karanga shared second place on 3-under par 210, finishing just one shot shy of a playoff.
Njoroge, who had led after round one, mounted a strong charge with a closing 3-under par 68, featuring birdies on the 1st, 2nd, 9th, 12th and 15th holes. He dropped shots on the 11th and 17th.
“I gave it a good push today,” said Njoroge. “I stayed patient, made birdies and gave myself a chance. It’s a positive start to the season.”
Karanga continued his impressive professional debut, carding birdies on the 2nd, 5th, 11th and 12th holes, with bogeys on the 9th and 10th briefly halting his momentum.
“I’m very encouraged by this result,” said Karanga. “Finishing on the podium in my first professional event gives me belief and confidence going forward.”
Njoroge and Karanga each earned KSh 179,400 and 144 Order of Merit points for their efforts.
Mohit Medirrata finished fourth on 1-over par, while Greg Snow of Muthaiga Golf Club placed sixth on 2-over par. Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel was the highest-placed non-Kenyan on 3-over par, followed by Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo on 4-over par, with compatriot Phillip Kasozi finishing eighth on 5-over par.
Junior amateur Junaid Manji produced the standout round of the final day, firing a 4-under par 67 to finish tied ninth on 6-over par alongside Edwin Mudanyi of Karen Country Club.
The tournament attracted a strong field of 59 players from eight countries, competing for the opening title of the season, world ranking points, and crucial Order of Merit standings.
The Tour now shifts to its next leg in June at Royal Nairobi Golf Club, as the race for season honours gathers momentum.
