Aasai

All is set for the SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship, the fifth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour—East Africa Swing, which kicks off tomorrow at the Kigali Golf & Villas. The three-day, 54-hole stroke play tournament has attracted 121 professional and elite golfers from 16 countries across Africa, Europe and North America. It will feature a prize purse of USD 25,000, Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points. 

Tournament Director David Kihara said preparations have been well underway and the course is in top condition to host an international field. at a speed of about 11. 

The rough is very bad, so players have to be careful about where they hit their golf balls, he said at the course, "We have a strong field, almost international, with players from England, Canada, Nigeria, Côte dIvoire, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and, of course, from East Africa. "The weather should be good for golf; dry, a little windy, but no rain expected, so we are ready to go." Kenyan Njoroge Kibugu, winner of the Ruiru leg of the Tour, is among the top contenders for the Kigali tournament and says his confidence is high heading into the tournament. "Winning in Ruiru definitely gave me a boost. 

It showed me that my game can handle the pressure. Every tournament is different, but I feel confident and motivated coming to Kigali. "I just want to keep that momentum going and give myself a better chance to compete again." Speaking about the quality of competition throughout the Swing, Kibugu added, “The level of competition has been very high, which is pushing me to raise my own game. “One big takeaway is patience; you can’t force things here. 

You have to trust your process and stay disciplined. “I have also learned to adapt quickly to different course conditions, and I will carry that mindset with me to Kigali.” Kibugu also highlighted the areas of his game that he has been focusing on “I have been working a lot on my short game and putting, because that is where the competition is often won or lost. I have also focused on course management, making smart decisions under pressure.

 “If I can combine those strengths with my long game, I will be in a good position.” Kakamega Sports Club and Ruiru champion Dismas Indiza, who has been one of the best performers on the Swing, said he feels ready for the challenge after a good practice round. The course is in excellent condition, the fairways are tight, and the week is fast. I know it will require precision and patience. “My aim is to stay strong from the first match and put myself in a good position heading into the second and final day. “It will not be easy because the field is strong, but I am confident in my game and I am looking forward to the challenge.

"The SportsBiz Africa Golf Tournament is sponsored by SportsBiz Africa, Johnnie Walker (EABL), Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, and Pure Travel. The event also serves as a precursor to the SportsBiz Africa Forum 2025, an annual two-day conference in Kigali to advance the sports sector in Africa and build a sports business ecosystem for sustainable development.