By PHILLIP ORWA
Thika Greens Golf Resort Club will play host to 82 Proffessional Golfers from 10 African countries, in an event that will tee off from tomorrow 14th to 16th January, as the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing stages the ninth leg of the season, officially titled the Absa Invitational Series following Absa Bank Kenya’s Sh4 million title sponsorship of the final two events of the season.
The field brings together 62 professionals and 20 elite amateurs, with Kenya providing the largest contingent consisting of 55 players.
Neighbours Uganda will field 10 players, followed by Rwanda who’ll field five, Nigeria will have four golfers, while Tanzania and Zimbabwe will have two each, while Malawi, Burundi, Ghana and Senegal will each be represented by one player.
Kenya’s challenge will be spearheaded by Njoroge Kibugu, the current Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit leader, who has already secured a Sunshine Tour card after winning three legs this season at Thika Greens, Nyali Golf Club and VetLab Sports Club. He will be joined by a strong home contingent of experienced professionals and elite amateurs including seasoned professionals Dismas Indiza and Greg Snow, both former tour winners on the East Africa Swing, alongside season elite amateurs John Lejirma, and Michael Karanga.
Uganda’s challenge will be spearheaded by Ronald Rugumayo, one of the country’s most experienced professionals and a regular on the Big Easy Tour in South Africa. Rugumayo recently finished joint second at Big Easy Tour 8 at Killarney Country Club and arrives in Thika in strong form. He is joined by a solid Ugandan contingent that includes David Kamulindwa, Ronald Otile, Phillip Kasozi, Grace Kasango, among others.
From Rwanda, Celestin Nsanzuwera will be among the players to watch. Nsanzuwera has been one of the most consistent performers on the Sunshine Development Tour, with wins at the Q -School, Diani and Kigali and including strong finishes in Diani, Nyali, VetLab and Limuru. He currently sits second on the Order of Merit.
Tanzania’s hopes rest on Nuru Mollel, Fadhyl Nkya, Isaac Wanyeche, Isiaka Dunia, and Angel Eaton, all of whom have consistently featured in the Tour’s inaugural season.
From West Africa, Nigeria will be represented by Sunday Olapade, who has become a familiar face on the East Africa Swing. Olapade has previously competed on tours across Africa and has openly stated his ambition of progressing to major tours. He will be joined by his fellow countrymen Gift Willy, Kamalu Bako, and Ajayi Tajudeen.
Zimbabwe will field two professionals including Visitor Mapwaya and Liberty Gumisa, while Ghana, Malawi, Burundi and Senegal will each field one player.
The tournament also features five female golfers competing in the mixed field, led by Kenya’s Naom Wafula, who has made seven cuts this season and is the highest ranked female on the Tour. Her consistency has already earned her a Sunshine Ladies Tour card, courtesy of a newly created African Affiliate category, which will allow her access onto the Sunshine Ladies Tour next season. Others include Angel Eaton, Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club who recently turned professional, Margret Njoki and Diana Njue.
Kenyan professional and elite amateur golfers are already gearing up for the Absa Invitational series, the penultimate leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, that will kick off at the par-72 Thika Greens Golf Resort, as the Tour heads into a crucial phase of the season.
The strong 55 contigent from Kenyan players look to capitalise on home advantage and push for valuable Sunshine Development Tour order of merit points, Official World Golf Ranking points and a share of the Sh2 million prize money on offer.
Experienced Kenya Pro and President of the Professional Golfers of Kenya John Wangai, will be leading from the front: Wangai, who says the Tour has brought renewed focus and structure to professional golf in the country said he’s been working hard to reclaim his game.
“I have been working on my game and fitness ahead of Thika, This Tour has given us regular competition at a high standard, and that makes a big difference. Every event feels like an opportunity to test yourself and move closer to the next level. We look forward to a great event in Thika as we approach the end of the season.” said Wangai
Among those that are also preparing for the event is leading Kenyan amateur and winner of the Royal Nairobi leg, John Lejirma, who has enjoyed a strong run on the Tour and continues to sharpen his game against professional competition.
“I have been preparing well and I am looking forward to playing at Thika Greens. Competing regularly on the Sunshine Development Tour has helped my game a lot, especially mentally. Playing against professionals from across Africa pushes you to raise your level every week.” said Lejirma.
Muthaiga Golf Club professional Greg Snow, who has been a consistent performer on the Tour, recently claiming the Limuru Country Club leg title, believes the Thika leg will be highly competitive.
“Preparation has been good and I am feeling confident heading into Thika. The Tour has been very competitive this season and every event feels important. Thika Greens is a course that rewards good ball striking, so you really have to be sharp from the first tee. Having played there already in the current season, I feel confident that I will post good scores,” said Snow.
For Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club who recently turned professional, the Thika Greens event is a perfect opportunity to launch her professional career and is eager to make an impact.
“My preparation has been focused on consistency and course management,” said Wanjiru. “Playing at Thika Greens is special for me and I am excited to compete against such a strong field. Being part of this Tour has given me confidence that I belong at this level. Seeing the growth of professional golf in Kenya over the past year played a key part in convincing me to turn pro.”
Sunshine Ladies Tour card holder Naom Wafula, who continues to use the Tour to sharpen her game, said the Thika event is key as players look to finish the season strongly.
“I have been preparing well and focusing on my short game and fitness,” said Wafula. “The Sunshine Development Tour has raised the level of competition and every event matters. Thika Greens is an important leg and I am looking forward to testing myself again.”
The Thika Greens tournament forms part of the Absa Invitational series and is expected to deliver three days of intense competition as Kenyan players look to assert themselves against strong regional opposition drawn from Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Burundi, Ghana and Senegal.
The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing continues to provide a structured, merit based pathway for professional and elite amateur golfers, offering Official World Golf Ranking points and a direct route to continental and global golf opportunities.
