Stars descend on Ruiru for Sunshine Tour second leg

Following the successful opening leg of the 2025 Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing at Thika Greens, action now shifts to the well-manicured par-73 Ruiru Sports Club course on Monday for the second leg.

A field of 105 players from six countries—Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Africa—is set to tee off, highlighting the growing popularity and competitive appeal of the tour.

The tournament features a mixed field of men and women, comprising top professionals and elite amateurs competing not only for the title but also for valuable Official World Golf Ranking points.

Leading the pack is Njoroge Kibugu of Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club, fresh off an impressive win at Thika Greens where he posted rounds of 64, 70, and 67 to finish at 15-under-par and take home the Sh400,000 winner’s cheque.

“Last week’s win was a big confidence boost,” said Kibugu. “It showed me that the work we’ve put in is paying off, but it’s a long season and I know I have to stay sharp. Ruiru is a different course, so I’ll need to adjust and keep trusting the process. I’m looking forward to keeping the momentum going.”

Chasing him closely is Kigali Golf Villas and Resort’s Celestin Nsanzuwera, who finished second at Thika Greens with a 10-under-par total. Nsanzuwera,  the East Africa Swing Q-School champion, is looking to go one better in Ruiru.

“I feel my game is improving with every round,” he said. “I pushed hard at Thika and came close. Ruiru presents a new opportunity. I’ll be aiming to play smart, stay aggressive where possible, and generally play to my strengths. The tour has been a great platform for us, and I’m excited to see how far we can go.”

Also in the spotlight is top-ranked amateur Michael Karanga from Ndumberi Golf Club, who recorded a top-10 finish at Thika.

He will tee off alongside Nsanzuwera and veteran Dismas Indiza of Kakamega Golf Club in a marquee group.

“Playing against top pros last week was a great learning experience,” said Karanga. “I’m happy with how I played and I believe I can compete again this week. Ruiru is familiar territory, so I’ll look to take advantage and keep improving my game.”

Other top Kenyan contenders include John Wangai, who finished third at Thika with an 8-under total, as well as Mutahi Kibugu, David Wakhu, Simon Ngige, Jacob Okello, Nelson Simwa, Edwin Mudanyi, and Indiza.

The amateur field features promising names such as John Lejirmah, Daniel Kiragu, and Naomi Wafula.

Wafula will lead a strong group of seven women golfers that includes Mercy Nyanchama, Margaret Njoki, Jacquelyne Walter, Joyce Wanjiru, Bianca Ngecu, and Kellie Gachaga. The Ruiru leg also welcomes top regional talent. Rwanda will also have Didas Ndindabahizi, Alain Niyonkuru, and Aloys Nsabimana. 

Uganda fields Ronald Rugumayo, Ronald Otile, Kasozi Phillip, Hussein Bagalana, and Abraham Ainamani.

From Tanzania, the draw includes Elisante Lembris (Arusha Gymkhana), Isaac Wanyeche (Kilimanjaro Golf Club), and five players from Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam. Salum Nkurunziza of Bujumbura Golf Club (Burundi) and Evence Vukeya of South Africa’s Soweto Country Club complete the international field.

The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, launched earlier this year, offers elite regional golfers an opportunity to compete for Sunshine Tour points, Big Easy Tour exemptions, and OWGR points—key steps toward global careers.

Tournament Director David Kihara expressed excitement ahead of the Ruiru leg: “We were thrilled with the level of competition at Thika Greens. Ruiru Sports Club presents a different test, and we are excited to see how the players respond. The depth of talent on display last week is a testament to the growing competitiveness of golf in the region, and we expect another thrilling 54 holes of action.”

“This tour is about giving East African golfers a legitimate platform to grow and compete at global standards,” he added. “There’s hunger, there’s belief, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.”

The tournament will be contested over 54 holes with a cut made after round two, allowing only the top 30 players to proceed to the final round. A prize purse of Sh2 million will be shared among those who make the cut.

Round one tees off 8am, with the first group featuring Felix Dusabe (Rwanda), Ronald Otile (Uganda), and Richard Ainley (Kenya). The final round is scheduled for Wednesday.