Emmanuel Ruterana and Jean Baptiste Hakizimana, the two Rwandan representatives in the annual Kinyara golf open, which took place in Uganda last week came have both ended in 4th place.
Emmanuel Ruterana after winning the Rwanda open; he was less successful in Uganda.Emmanuel Ruterana, who participated in the professional category, said that this was one of his worst performances, as he scored 84 and 74 over the two days.
"The reason why I performed poorly was that I was not given a chance to practice on the course," he explained. "I always want to explore a course before the real event so that I get used to it, and certainly when it is the first time I play on it, which was the case in Uganda.
But I went directly into the tournament. Moreover, it is the worst golf course I have ever played on. On the green it is very dry, so the ball doesn't roll properly. That in itself would not have been a problem, however, if only I had been given the opportunity to practice."
When asked why he was not allowed to explore the course, Ruterana said that he thinks that his opponents must have feared him.
"You know, my recent win at home last month [in the Rwanda Open, ed.] must have scared them. And it is always bad for a professional golfer to play on a course without knowing it," Ruterana said.
He further added that this year he will miss the Malaysian open, because they always invite two professional golfers, and he is the only one in Rwanda.
Jean Baptiste Hakizimana, playing in the amateurs category, also ended 4th. On both days he scored 78. He was satisfied with his performance, considering that more than 60 golfers participated."Of course everyone wants to win, but there were many good golfers in the tournament," Hakizimana said, adding he was happy with his result, all the more so since his score was better than that of some professionals, such as Emanuel Ruterana.
Jean Baptiste Hakizimana said he has high hopes for next year, when he will become a professional golfer.
"In January I will go to South Africa where I will train for three months, and then return to Rwanda to start as a professional," Hakizimana said, adding that he can do so because he has a sponsor who will provide him with everything.
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