Absa Bank Mt. Kenya Regional Manager Timothy Kosgei hands the trophy to Celestin Nsanzuwera/HANDOUTRwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera won the Absa Ruiru Invitational after a flawless final round of five-under-par 65 to finish on 10-under-par 200 and claim his second Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing title of the season.
Nsanzuwera, who plays out of Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, followed up his victory at the opening leg at Thika Sports Club with another composed performance in Ruiru, maintaining his position at the top of the leaderboard to secure the title.
His final round featured birdies on the 2nd, 6th, eighth, 10th and 15th holes, with the Rwandan dropping no shots.
“It feels really good to win again. I played some really good golf today and stayed patient throughout the round. The key was to avoid mistakes and take advantage of the opportunities when they came. Winning twice this season gives me a lot of confidence heading to my home club leg next month and I am happy with how the Tour has gone for me so far,” Nsanzuwera said.
He took home Sh400,000 from the Sh2 million prize purse, as well as 210 Order of Merit points.
Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko finished second after also carding a five-under-par 65 to finish on seven-under-par 203.
Okoko made birdies on the eighth, 13th, 15th and 18th holes, complemented by an eagle on the par-five 10th. His only dropped shot came on the sixth.
The result marked Okoko’s best finish on the Sunshine Development Tour, earning him Sh227,000 and 172 Order of Merit points.
“I am very happy with the way I played today and with the result. I knew I had to put together a good final round and I was able to stay focused and make some big shots when I needed them. Finishing second is a big step for me and gives me a lot of confidence going forward,” Okoko said.
Kenya Railway Golf Club professional Mike Kisia also recorded his best finish on the Tour, taking third after a three-under-par 67 left him on six-under-par 204.
Kisia picked up birdies on the fifth, ninth, 10th and 13th holes, with his only dropped shot coming on the final hole.
“I am really pleased with the way the tournament went. To finish third against such a strong field is a big achievement for me. I had a good final round and managed to stay patient and take advantage of the opportunities I got. This gives me a lot of confidence going into the next events,” Kisia said.
He earned Sh153,000 and 116 Order of Merit points.
The Absa Ruiru Invitational attracted professionals and amateur golfers from across Africa, with players competing for prize money and valuable Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit, Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.
The tournament was supported by Absa Bank Kenya as part of its partnership with the Sunshine Development Tour, aimed at creating more competitive opportunities and strengthening the pathway for emerging golfers.
The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing now moves to Kigali Golf Resort & Villas in Rwanda from September 11–13 for the SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship.
The tournament will give Nsanzuwera a home advantage as he seeks to maintain his strong form on his home course when golfers from across Africa and beyond converge in Kigali.
