Njoroge Kibugu poses with his Betika Masters trophy at VetLab Sports Club/HANDOUTNjoroge Kibugu of Windsor Golf Club headlines a strong field of 88 golfers who have signed up for the 8th leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, to be held at par-72 Limuru Country Club.
Dubbed Betika Masters, the event will be staged from November 9 to 11.
Professional and amateur players drawn from Africa will compete for a Sh2 million prize purse and Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.
Kibugu, the three-time SDT–EAS winner, is fresh off his victory at the VetLab leg on Tuesday. He won the opening leg at Thika Greens and at Nyali Golf.
He will be joined by elite amateur and Royal Nairobi standout John Lejirma, winner of the sixth leg at his home club, Kakamega’s Dismas Indiza, champion at Ruiru Sports and Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera, who won the Diamonds Leisure and home club, Kigali Golf Club, tournaments.
The Kenyan field also includes a strong cast of seasoned professionals, including Greg Snow of Muthaiga, Edwin Mudanyi (Karen), Jastas Madoya (Great Rift), John Wangai (Sigona), and Mike Kisia (VetLab), among others.
Rwanda’s contingent is led by two-time SDT winner Nsanzuwera, who will tee it up alongside compatriots Nsabimana Aloys and amateurs Jean Hitayezu D’amour and Felix Dusabe.
Tanzania will be represented by Nuru Mollel (Lugalo Golf Club) and Isaac Wanyeche (Kilimanjaro Golf Club).
Uganda will field a deep squad of top competitors, including Willy Deus Kitata (Entebbe), Grace Kasango (Uganda Golf Club), Abraham Ainamani (Palm Valley), Phillip Kasozi (UGC), Bagalana Hussein (UGC), David Kamulindwa (Entebbe), Ronald Otile (UGC), and Gaita Rodell (Kilembe Mines).
Malawi’s Paul Chidale, representing Lilongwe Golf Club, is expected to challenge the favourites.
The ladies’ lineup is headlined by pro Naomi Wafula of Vipingo Ridge, the only female to make the cut at VetLab.
She will be joined by a promising group of elite amateurs: Jacquelyne Walter (Vipingo Ridge), Joyce Wanjiru (Kiambu), Margaret Njoki (Golf Park), Ashley Awuor (Royal Nairobi), Kellie Gachaga (Muthaiga), and Mercy Nyanchama (Njoro Country Club).
The tournament will award Safari Tour Order of Merit points, counting towards qualification for the prestigious 2026 Magical Kenya Open.
A Pro-Am will precede the main event on Saturday, where professionals will team up with club members and guests. More than 200 golfers are expected to feature in the Pro-Am.
With a strong multinational field and high stakes on the line, the Limuru leg promises yet another thrilling chapter in the inaugural season of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.
