Rwanda Opens First 18 Hole Golf Course
The tiny, East African country boasts a population of 12 million just opened Kigali Golf Resort
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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.
This presented a huge opportunity for Rwanda. Having built it at a high standard, further makes Rwanda eligible as a tourism and sports destination
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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Fascinating! Awesome article!