Rwanda’s leading golfer Celestin Nsanzuwera made a strong start to the ongoing inaugural West African leg of the Sunshine Development Tour, carding a 3-under-par 69 to take the early lead at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic in Lagos.Nsanzuwera, who currently sits at the top of the Sunshine Development Tour’s Order of Merit, produced a steady opening round featuring five birdies on the first, third, sixth, eighth and 17th holes.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsHe dropped shots on the ninth and 10th holes but recovered to finish the day three-under-par.##NAJAVA_MECA_10000362##“It was a good start, especially with this being a new course and a new event for the Tour. I managed to put together some good stretches of golf and the five birdies helped me stay in a good position. There are still three rounds to go, so the focus is to stay patient, play my game and give myself opportunities,” said Nsanzuwera.In second place is Zambia’s Sydney Joseph Wemba on 2-under-par after a round featuring birdies on the fourth, sixth, eighth, 11th and 17th holes. He dropped a shot on the fifth and two shots on the 13th.KAGC top amateurs take battle for points to NCBA Tea Fields Trophy“I think I played some good golf today. I had a few mistakes in the round, but I also gave myself plenty of birdie opportunities and managed to take advantage of some of them. It is a good start, and I will look to build on it over the next few rounds,” said Wemba.Simeon Saater sits third on one-under-par, tied with fellow Nigerian Mustapha Abubakar, who also finished the opening round on one-under.Tied for fifth on level-par is a four-way group featuring Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo, Ghana’s Vincent Torgah, Ghana’s Ezekiel Afisco and Nigeria’s Jimoh Eneye.Rugumayo, who has also enjoyed a strong run on the Sunshine Development Tour this season, will be looking to build on his level-par opening round as he continues his challenge in Lagos.##NAJAVA_MECA_10000362##“It was a solid day, although I know there are a few things I can improve on. I have started the tournament in a good position, and the important thing now is to remain focused and take the opportunities when they come. There is a long way to go,” said Rugumayo.The Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic is the Sunshine Development Tour’s first event in West Africa, marking an important expansion of the Tour’s competitive platform beyond its established East African events.The tournament has attracted 139 players from 10 countries, including 115 professionals and 24 amateurs, making it one of the most diverse fields assembled on the Tour this season.Kenya U17 coach reveals identity of friendlies lined up in Spain ahead of second World Cup appearanceThe tournament carries a US$50,000 (Ksh6.47 million) prize fund, while players are also competing for valuable Official World Golf Ranking, World Amateur Golf Ranking and Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points, which can play an important role in progression opportunities through the development pathway towards the main Sunshine Tour.The Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic continues on Saturday with the second round, as players look to position themselves for the final two rounds and a chance to claim the inaugural Sunshine Development Tour title in West Africa.Thunder sweep KPA to lift third consecutive unbeaten KBF title
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