Kyle de Beer breaks through with emphatic Rwanda Open victory

Photo: Michael Vlismas

Prescience Media:  Kyle de Beer finally has his Sunshine Tour breakthrough, and he did it in emphatic fashion.

The South African closed with an eight birdie 64 at Kigali Golf Resort and Villas on Sunday to win the inaugural Rwanda Open by six shots, finishing at 27 under par.

After 11 career top 10 finishes, De Beer had already shown that he could compete at this level. In Kigali, he turned that promise into a first Sunshine Tour title.

“It’s surreal, to be honest,” De Beer said. “To get my first win here is a dream come true. It’s an amazing venue with amazing people here in Rwanda. I could not have scripted it better.”

There was little doubt about the outcome during the final round.

De Beer opened with three birdies in his first four holes and continued to apply pressure, adding another five birdies on his way to a commanding victory.

Estiaan Conradie finished runner up at 21 under par after a final round of 69, while six players shared third place at 20 under par.

Daniel Cronje carded a 65, Germany’s Allen John shot 66, while Benjamin Kedochim, the current Fortress Rookie of the Year leader, returned a 68. Travis Procter and Ryan van der Klis both signed for 69, while Cole Stevens closed with a 70.

For De Beer, though, the biggest number was the one beside his name.

“I think I just confirmed what I really thought about myself in that I knew I could win out here,” he said. “To have the validation now is amazing. It really feels like all the work that I’ve put in with my whole team over the last year has slowly started building into something, and for it to materialise now is amazing.”

The victory also comes at an important time in the Sunshine Tour season.

Winning in Rwanda gives De Beer access to a number of lucrative events during December, January and February, allowing him to prepare for those tournaments without the uncertainty that comes with qualifying.

“We all know that from December, January and February we do have some very big golf events to play, so to be into all of those without any stress and to be able to prepare properly, it’s a great time to win,” he said.

The six shot margin underlined just how complete his week had been.

The victory also rewarded the patience behind those 11 previous top 10 finishes. De Beer had repeatedly put himself in contention without finding the final step. In Kigali, he made sure there was no late drama.

Stanley May was awarded the Sunshine Tour caddie medallion as the winning caddie.

The Sunshine Tour now moves to South Africa for the Limpopo Championship at Euphoria Golf and Lifestyle Estate from 1 to 4 October.

SCORES

261 - Kyle De Beer 66 65 66 64
267 - Estiaan Conradie 66 64 68 69
268 - Daniel Cronje 66 67 70 65
268 - Allen John 67 68 67 66, Benjamin Kedochim 67 67 66 68, Travis Procter 63 68 68 69, Ryan van der Klis 65 68 66 69, Cole Stevens 67 65 66 70
269 - Robson Chinhoi 69 66 69 65
269 - Austin Bautista 70 67 65 67, Graham van der Merwe 64 69 66 70, Joe Sullivan 69 60 68 72
270 - Stals Swart 68 67 65 70
271 - Ricky Hendler 66 67 71 67