BY PHILLIP ORWA
Kakamega Sports Club Pro Dismas Indiza claimed his second Sunshine Development Tour title after edging out Karen Country Club’s Edwin Mudanyi in a dramatic sudden-death playoff at the conclusion of the Kabete Challenge at VetLab Sports Club on Tuesday.
Indiza and Mudanyi finished regulation play tied on 3-under par 213, forcing a playoff after an enthralling final round that saw both players trade blows in pursuit of the title, in an event that attracted 67 players from 10 countries, including professionals, amateurs and junior golfers from across East Africa and beyond.
Indiza began the day tied for the lead alongside Mudanyi and Michael Karanga and returned 2-under par 70.
The Kakamega pro posted birdies on the 4th, 5th, 17th and 18th holes, and scored bogeys on the 2nd and 7th that threatened to derail his charge.
But he reclaimed his charge, posting a birdie on the 18th hole to post the clubhouse lead and pile pressure on Mudanyi in the final group.
Indiza said: “I’m very happy with the win. It wasn’t easy because the competition was very strong and Edwin played really well today. I stayed patient, trusted my experience and kept fighting until the last hole. Making that birdie on 18 gave me a chance, and once we got into the playoff, I knew I just had to stay focused and give myself an opportunity. This is a good result for me and a big boost for the rest of the season.”
Mudanyi seemed poised to secure the title after leading for much of the day. The Karen Country Club professional produced a steady round highlighted by birdies on the 1st, 7th and 10th holes, with his only dropped shot coming on the 3rd, as he also signed for a 2-under par 70.
Heading to the 18th hole, Mudanyi held a one-shot advantage and appeared set to seal a victory. However, a par on the closing hole, coupled with Indiza’s birdie moments earlier, saw the pair finish tied and head into a playoff, where Indiza eventually emerged victorious.
“It’s disappointing to come so close and not get the win, but that’s golf. I played solidly throughout the week and gave myself a chance. There are plenty of positives to take from this performance, and I’ll use it as motivation going into the next events on the Tour,” Mudanyi said.
Indiza pocketed Sh300,000 from the tournament’s Sh1.5 million prize purse, while Mudanyi earned Sh160,500 for his runner-up finish.
Finishing third was elite amateur Adel Balala of Nyali Golf & Country Club, who carded a tournament total of 2-under par 214. Balala once again demonstrated his growing stature on the regional golf scene with a consistent three-round performance against a strong professional field.
Newly turned professional Michael Karanga continued his impressive start to life in the paid ranks, finishing fourth on 1-under par 215.
Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera was the highest-ranked foreign player, finishing tied eighth alongside Kenya’s Mutahi Kibugu on 4-over par 220.
The tournament formed the third leg of the 2026 Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing season and offered players valuable Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, and Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points, which are crucial for progression to the main Sunshine Tour.
