Celestin Nsanzuwera/ FILERwanda's Celestin Nsanzuwera will be hoping to claim back-to-back victories in the Sunshine Development Tour-East Africa Swing when the sixth leg heads to the Royal Nairobi Golf Club from Monday to Wednesday.
A total of 82 pro golfers will battle it out for vital OWGR (Official World Golf Ranking) points as well as the Sh2 million prize purse.
The Royal Golf Club leg has attracted an impressive line-up of elite professionals and top amateurs from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Malawi and Burundi.
Among the professionals headlining the event are Nsanzuwera, winner of the previous leg in Kigali, alongside Kenya’s Njoroge Kibugu, Mutahi Kibugu, Dismas Indiza, David Wakhu, Greg Snow and John Lejirma. Also in the mix are Visitor Mapwanya (Zimbabwe), Olapade Sunday (Nigeria), and Phillip Kasozi (Uganda).
The women’s field will feature a talented line-up including Naomi Wafula, Margaret Njoki, Ashley Awuor, Kellie Gachaga (all Kenya), Angel Eaton and Madina Hussein (both Tanzania). The event will feature 54 holes of play, with the top 30 players and ties cutting the second round to contest the decisive final round on Wednesday.
In a major boost for the tournament, Vivo Energy Kenya has stepped in as a sponsor for the Royal leg. Speaking during the sponsorship announcement, Yvonne Samantha Achieng, Marketing Manager at Vivo Energy Kenya, expressed the company’s pride in supporting regional golf development.
“We are delighted to support the development of professional and elite amateur golf in the country. This partnership reflects our strategic objectives of investing in sports that continue to shape Kenya’s reputation on the global stage,” Achieng said.
“We are looking forward to being part of the success story of Kenyan sports, and through this golf sponsorship, we hope to see more Kenyan and East African golfers excel in global tournaments such as the Magical Kenya Open and even the Olympic Games,” she added. Tournament director, David Kihara, confirmed that the Royal Nairobi course is primed for action.
“Preparations are in top gear for the Royal leg. The course is in excellent condition, and we expect highly competitive golf throughout the three days. We’re delighted to see a strong international field and vibrant local participation, which reflects how far the Tour has come."
The main championship will be preceded by the Johnnie Walker Pro-Am on Saturday, giving amateur golfers a rare opportunity to tee off alongside some of the continent’s finest professionals ahead of the three-day contest.
