Local professionals in Kigali for cash - rich Rwanda Open.

Amos Kamya

Lanky professional Godfrey Mande leads a strong Ugandan contingent of six golfers in this year’s Rwanda Open that tees off this morning at the par-72 Kigali Golf Course.

Mande, won the Rwanda Open as an amateur in the 90s and will be hoping to win his first title as a professional in the lucrative $5,000 (Shs.11.5m) category. In the absence of Deo Akope, who is in South Africa, the Ugandans in the fray include towering Dennis Anguyo, George Olayo, Amos Kamya and hard-hitting Herman Mutaawe.

All eyes will, however, be on local boys Emmanuel Ruterana, Jean Baptiste Hakizimana, Celestin Ndayisenga and Olivier Munyaneza. “I camped early in Kigali to polish my short game,” said Mande.

“I am ready now and raring to go. The conditions are perfect for golf and only praying for better luck this time round.” The event has attracted 20 professionals and 80 amateurs from East African countries. Kenya’s Dismas Indiza is the defending champion of the annual and biggest golfing event in Rwanda.