The third edition of the tournament concluded with over 200 golfers participating at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas.
Evans Mose and Sheetal Philip emerged as the winners of the third edition of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour qualifiers, which concluded at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas on Saturday, October 18. The tournament, organized by BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, attracted more than 200 golfers competing across various categories for both men and women.
The men’s division was categorized into handicap brackets of 0–9, 10–18, and 19–28, alongside a senior category for players aged 50 and above. The women’s division featured two handicap brackets of 0–18 and 19–36.
In the men’s handicap 0–9 category, Evans Mose delivered an impressive performance, scoring 41 points to secure first place. He was closely followed by James Muigai with 40 points, while Antoine Larson finished third with 37 points.
In the women’s handicap 0–18 category, Sheetal Philip topped the leaderboard with 39 points, edging out Mellissa Akanigi, who scored 38 points. Jenny Linda secured third place with 33 points.
“Today’s experience was great. I really loved my course. It rained a bit, but that didn’t affect my play. I stayed focused and had a very good time,” said Philip after her impressive debut performance in the tournament.
Four outstanding Rwandan golfers were selected to represent the country at the grand finale scheduled to take place in Kenya on December 15. Philip, who holds Rwandan citizenship but was born in India, and Akanigi will join Patrick Murenga and Willy Rugema to form the Rwandan team, competing against 27 other teams from their respective countries.
Murenga and Rugema excelled in the men’s handicap 10–18 category, both scoring 42 points, which secured their spots on the Rwandan team. Robert Bafakulera followed closely with 40 points.
In the men’s handicap 19–28 category, Ben Kanzira claimed first place with a total of 38 points, while Richard Mugisha finished just one point behind.
In the women’s handicap 19–36 category, Roselyne Munyana topped the leaderboard with 36 points, narrowly beating Wanjiku Irene, who also scored 36 points but lost on countback.
The senior category (50+) was won by Louis Kamanzi with 37 points, followed by David Rwiyamirira and Joseph Semwaga, who both scored 35 points.
During a gala dinner held at Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Golf Club President Marcel Byusa commended all participants and encouraged those who did not make it to the podium to prepare for future competitions. “Thanks to BPR Bank, hosting this tour has attracted a high level of VIP guests. I congratulate the winners and urge others to plan for the next competitions,” Byusa stated.
Patience Mutesi Gatera, the Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, emphasized the importance of the tour and its regional impact, noting that the series has covered 12 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. “As BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, our involvement in this event goes beyond sponsorship. It’s part of our broader commitment to investing in people, promoting wellness through sports, and driving sustainable development in the communities we serve,” Mutesi said.
At the Grand Finale in Kenya, the overall winning team will receive KSh 1 million (approximately Rwf 11.2 million), which will support a sustainability initiative at their home club. Additionally, the winners will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai, courtesy of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc.
Key Points
- Evans Mose and Sheetal Philip won the KCB East Africa Golf Tour qualifiers.
- Over 200 golfers participated in the tournament at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas.
- Mose scored 41 points in the men's handicap 0–9 category.
- Philip topped the women's handicap 0–18 category with 39 points.
- Four Rwandan golfers will represent the country at the grand finale in Kenya.
Sources: Mose, Philip win KCB East Africa Golf Tour qualifiers
