Rwanda Opens First 18 Hole Golf Course

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Hey Golfers -

Rwanda, a landlocked country in East Africa, recently unveiled its first 18 hole golf course.

The continent of Africa isn’t new to golf, but Rwanda is. Africa has over 930 golf courses. Over half of those golf courses are located in South Africa, a powerhouse at producing professional golfers.

• Branden Grace

• Charl Schwartzel

• Louis Oosthuizen

• Trevor Immelman

• Rory Sabbatini

• Ernie Els

• Retief Goosen

• Gary Player

In fact, there are only four players inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame from the continent of Africa.

• Bobby Locke

• Gary Player

• Nick Price

• Ernie Els

To put that in perspective, there are 123 men’s golfers in the World Golf Hall of Fame, with only four from Africa. The continent of Africa has a population of 1.2 Billion.

The significance of Rwanda opening an 18 hole golf is a huge milestone for the country and the continent to advance golf.

The economics make sense. The global golf tourism market is $44 billion and growing over 11% per year. Africa only has 2% of the global golf courses, a massive opportunity for Rwanda to draw tourism and possibly host a professional event in the future.

Regis Rugemanshuro of the Rwanda Social Security Board is quoted in the New York Times stating the significance of Kigali Golf Resort.

Kigali Golf Resort

Kigali is a product of Rwanda Ultimate Golf Course Limited, a subsidiary of Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), meaning the Rwandan Government owns Kigali Golf Resort.

The Rwanda Ultimate Golf Course Limited invested 17.7 Billion Rwandan francs, the equivalent of $17.5 Million, a huge investment for the Rwandan Government. The investment included.

• Golf course design

• Golf course development

• Equipment

• Shelters

An additional 16.8 Billion Rwandan francs ($16.6 Million) investment included.

• 130 acres of land

• Assets of Kigali Golf Club (previously a 9 hole golf course)

The Rwandan Government has invested a total of $34 Million in Kigali Golf Resort.

Gary Player’s company, Black Knight International, designed Kigali Golf Resort. The French firm, Gregori International, built the golf course. The Rwanda Social Security Board has also brought in UGOLF to manage the Kigali Golf Resort. UGOLF brings vast experience to Kigali as they manage 600 golf courses around the world.

A possible concern for Kigali? Green Fees. Green fees at Kigali Golf Resort appear to be relatively high for a country that has a per-capita GDP of $2,600

• 18 holes with a cart: $140

• 9 holes with a cart: $100

Kigali Golf Resort membership seems to be more in line:

• Individual membership: $500

• Family membership: $800

Kigali hopes to have 500 members within the next five years.

Kigali Golf Resort Future

According to the Rwanda Social Security Board, this is only the first phase of the project. The second phase will include a resort and community housing. The RSSB will need to bring in additional investors on board to get this deal done.

The goal is clear: to host an international professional golf event.

Good for Rwanda; I am rooting for Kigali’s success.

Have yourself a Monday, talk to you next week!

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