Top Kenyan golfers John Lejirma and Michael Karanga are among 84 golfers expected to participate in the Betika Masters tournaments, the seventh and eighth legs of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.
The golfers will battle it out in the double header that will take place at Vetlab Sports Club from November 2-4 and at Limuru Country Club from November 9-11.
The events have attracted elite amateurs and professional golfers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi, India and the United States.
They will be competing for a share of the Sh2 million prize purse in each leg and Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.
The Kenyan contingent features Lejirma, the newly crowned Johnnie Walker Classic champion, and Karanga, the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series winner Dismas Indiza, winner of the Ruiru leg; two-time Tour champion Njoroge Kibugu (Thika and Nyali); Greg Snow, Mutahi Kibugu, Edwin Mudanyi, David Wakhu, C.J. Wangai, Jastas Madoya and Nelson Simwa.
Lejirma, who beat professional Njoroge Kibugu in a sudden-death playoff at Royal Nairobi Golf Club earlier this month to claim his maiden Sunshine Development Tour title, is keen to extend his fine form.
“Just fresh from winning at my home club, it’s been a tremendous journey so far, full of lessons, growth and belief. Every leg of the Sunshine Development Tour has pushed me to become better, both mentally and technically," he said.
"My goal heading into Vetlab and Limuru is to maintain the momentum and stay true to my game plan."
“Nothing has changed on my end. I’ve just been fine-tuning all aspects of my game, from my long shots to my short game and I feel ready," he added.
"These events mean a lot to us as players, since they’re helping us gain confidence and experience at a professional level. For me, it’s all about staying patient, trusting the process and giving my best on every shot.”
Karanga, who has made the cut in three of his four Tour appearances, praised the Sunshine Development Tour for creating meaningful opportunities for amateurs.
“This Tour has changed the game for us amateurs,” he said. “It has given us a proper platform to test our skills against professionals from across Africa."
"Playing alongside top pros challenges you to raise your standard, stay focused and believe that you can also compete at the highest levels. For years, we played mostly within our amateur circuit and the exposure was limited."
"Now, with the Sunshine Development Tour, we’re gaining experience that helps bridge the gap between amateur and professional golf. I’ve learned a lot in these past four events. I’ve made the cut in three, and I can feel that my game is growing stronger with every round. I’m trusting the process, staying disciplined and I believe a big win is just around the corner.”
Also in the spotlight are elite junior golfers Junaid Manji, Ishan Samani and Tsevi Soni.
Phillip Kasozi, Ronald Otile, Gaita Tadeoand Abraham Ainamani lead the Ugandan contingent. Team Tanzania has Rajab Pembe, Nuru Mollel, Angel Eaton and Isaac Wanyeche. Celestin Nsanzuwera leads the Rwandese team alongside Nsabimana Aloys and Dusabe Felix.
Others are Paul Chidale (Malawi), elite junior Mitansh Thacker from India and Willy Deus from the United States.
The female line-up has Kenya’s Naomi Wafula, Jacquelyne Walter, Margaret Njoki, Joyce Wanjiru and Tanzania’s Angel Eaton.
