The Rwanda Open got underway in Kigali on Thursday, bringing four days of professional golf together with music, DJs and a lively spectator experience as the tournament made its debut in the capital.
The opening day saw golfers take to the course in pursuit of an early advantage, while spectators gathered to watch the action and enjoy an atmosphere that extended beyond the fairways.
Travis Procter and Nikhil Rama emerged as the early pace-setters after the first round, both finishing on nine under par to share the lead.
Graham van der Merwe followed closely at eight under, while Altin van der Merwe, Jason Roets, Ryan van der Klis and Jaden Deltel were tied on seven under.
Jordan Burnand, Daniel Cronje, Ricky Hendler, Kyle de Beer and Estiaan Conradie completed the group of players on six under after the opening round.
But the Rwanda Open is offering spectators more than four days of golf.
Music and DJs are part of the experience, creating a social atmosphere around the tournament as spectators mingle, follow the competition and enjoy entertainment alongside the sporting action.
The combination of golf and entertainment is expected to attract both regular golf followers and new audiences, giving the tournament a broader appeal as Kigali hosts the event for the first time.
With three rounds remaining, the competition is already tightly poised, with only three shots separating the joint leaders from the group on six under.
Attention now shifts to the second round as players look to build on their opening performances, while spectators return to the course for another day of golf, music and entertainment in Kigali.
