Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera delivered a masterclass performance at the Sunshine Tour East Africa Swing Qualifying School, claiming victory in style at the stunning Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort.
Representing Kigali Golf Resort and Villa, Nsanzuwera sealed the win with a brilliant final-round two-under-par 69, finishing with a total score of 280 (-4).
Kenya’s John Lejirma, who had held the overnight lead, saw his title hopes slip away after a tough final round, carding a six-over 77 to finish second at 284 (par).
Despite dazzling with a third-round 67, Lejirma could not hold off Nsanzuwera’s clutch finish when it mattered most.
Nsanzuwera opened with pars on the first two holes before dropping a shot at the third.
However, he quickly recovered with a birdie on the par-4 fifth hole, closing the front nine at even-par 35.
On the back nine, he bogeyed the par-4 11th but immediately responded with a birdie on the 12th.
Further birdies at the par-5 14th and par-4 16th saw him tied with Lejirma at three-under-par.
The final two holes proved decisive—while Nsanzuwera held steady with pars, Lejirma faltered, bogeying the par-5 17th and double-bogeying the par-4 18th, handing Nsanzuwera the title.
“I am so excited for this win. As I mentioned after round three, I was going for the victory. I want to thank God and my playing partners—they were great competitors, but today was my day,” said an elated Nsanzuwera.
Reflecting on his qualification, he added, “This is a huge opportunity. It will be my first time playing in South Africa, and the chance to earn a Sunshine Tour card is something special. I’m grateful to the organizers for making this possible.”
Lejirma, despite the disappointment, remained optimistic.
“It was a tough day out there. I think fatigue got to me at some point, but that’s golf. It was frustrating, especially since my strongest asset—my putting—let me down today,” he said.
He described qualifying for the Sunshine Tour as “a dream come true.”
“At the final Q-School tournament, I want to maintain my momentum, play well, and represent my country,” he added.
Lejirma also hinted at turning professional.
“I’m seriously considering it. With more playing opportunities opening up, it’s just a matter of time.”
The battle for third place ended in a three-way tie, with Samuel Njoroge Chege, Greg Snow, and veteran Dismas Indiza all finishing at +4 (288).
Chege signed off with a solid 70, while Snow and Indiza wrapped up their campaigns with 73s.
Nsanzuwera took home KES 180,220 in prize money, while Lejirma earned KES 108,130.
Indiza, Snow, and Chege each pocketed KES 56,470.
The final two spots for the Sunshine Tour Final Stage Qualifier were decided in a playoff at the 18th hole, after Isaiah Otuke, Jastas Madoya, and Mike Kisia finished tied for ninth.
Kisia secured ninth place with a precise second shot that landed five feet from the pin, allowing for a two-putt finish.
Madoya settled for 10th after a bogey, while Otuke missed out with a double bogey.
Reflecting on his playoff win, Kisia said, “I’ve been here before—I lost a playoff that cost me a Kenya Open spot, and I told myself, not again. I kept the ball in play, and everything else fell into place.”
“I can’t describe this feeling, but I want to experience it every time I play. It will be my first time competing in South Africa, and I look forward to it. The competition will be tough, but I’m eager to improve my game,” he added.
The ten qualifiers will now head to Johannesburg, South Africa, for the Sunshine Tour Final Stage Qualifier from April 8–11, 2025.
Additionally, the entire field earned playing cards for the East Africa Swing events, giving them valuable Sunshine Development Tour points and Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.