Dismas Indiza tees off at the Shunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing Ruiru Leg/HANDOUTOther Kenyans include Tour members Adel Balala, Sammy Mulama, Daniel Nduva, Mutahi Kibugu, Taimur Malik, David Wakhu, Jastas Madoya and Nelson Mudanyi.
The Pearl of Africa Golf Series winner Ronald Rugumayo will lead a delegation of nine Ugandans comprising of Grace Kasango, Ronald Otile, Phillip Kasozi, Hussein Bagalana, Abraham Ainamani, David Kamulindwa, Rodell Gaita and Willy Deus Kitata.
Rwanda’s Celestine Nsanzuwera and Aloys Nsabimana will be keen to maximise home advantage with Malawi’s Paul Chidale, Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko and Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel also expected to make appearances.
“Having 25 players from the Development Tour participating in a Sunshine Tour event, including 11 Kenyans and players from Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Nigeria and Tanzania, is encouraging,” said David Ndungu, CEO of the Sunshine Development Tour.
"It demonstrates the depth of talent in the region and the importance of creating more opportunities for these players to compete, develop and test themselves against a strong international field."
The participation comes just days after successfully staging Pearl of Africa Golf Series in Uganda, the sixth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing, where Rugumayo claimed his maiden Sunshine Development Tour title.
“The Rwanda Open is a good example of what we are seeking to achieve through the Sunshine Development Tour," Ndung'u added.
"We want to create a clear and competitive pathway that gives golfers across the region regular opportunities to play at a higher level and ultimately progress to the Sunshine Tour and other major tours.”
The 2026 Rwanda Open will be played over four rounds bringing together 113 players competing on the Sunshine Tour and golfers progressing through the regional development pathway.
