Dismas Indiza in action during Round One of the Absa Invitational Series at Thika Greens Golf Resort.

By DANIELLA APIYO

Kakamega Sports Club professional Dismas Indiza took early control of the Absa Invitational, the ninth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing, after carding an impressive five under par 66 in the opening round at Thika Greens Golf Resort.

Indiza got off to a strong start with an eagle on the second hole, followed by birdies on the fourth and sixth, as he went out bogey free on the front nine. On the back nine, he added further birdies on the 13th and 14th, with his only dropped shot coming on the 11th to close the day at the top of the leaderboard.

Speaking after his round, Indiza said:

“It was a good start for me today. The eagle early on really settled me and helped with confidence. I stayed patient, took the chances that came my way and managed my game well. The course is in good condition and there is still a lot of golf to be played, so the focus now is to keep the same approach over the next two rounds.”

A three-way tie for second place on three under par was shared by Nyeri Golf Club’s Mutahi Kibugu, Limuru Country Club’s Taimur Malik, and Uganda’s Willy Deus.

Kibugu’s round featured birdies on holes one, four, ten and thirteen, with a single bogey on the par three 15th.

Commenting on his round, Mutahi said, “My form is good and I am playing really good golf at the moment. Towards the end of last year I started winning some events and I have carried that confidence into this year. Tomorrow I just need to stick to my game plan, stay confident and not shy away from winning.”

Naom Wafula attempts a bunker shot during the opening round of the Absa Invitational Series at Thika Greens Golf Resort.

Malik recorded birdies on the second, fifth, sixth and 17th holes, with a bogey on the fourth, while Kitata carded birdies on the second, fourth, seventh, 14th and 17th, dropping shots on the fifth and 11th.

Deus said, “My round was okay, with a few mistakes here and there. The greens were a bit bumpy, but we all played in the same conditions. I left a few putts out there, but any time you finish under par, you take it. I struck the ball really well today and my ball striking was spot on, which was important for me.”

Joint fifth place on 2-under par was shared by Muthaiga Golf Club’s Greg Snow, Zimbabwe’s Visitor Mapwanya and Mohit Mediratta.

A group of four players finished the day on 1-under par, tied for eighth place. They include Nigeria’s Sunday Olapade, Royal Nairobi Golf Club’s Njoroge Kibugu, Kenya’s Jacob Okello and David Wakhu.

The Absa Invitational is offering a total prize purse of Ksh 2 million, alongside Official World Golf Ranking points, World Amateur Golf Ranking points, and valuable Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points, crucial in the race for Sunshine Tour promotion and also count towards qualification for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.

Round two continues on Thursday, 15th January at Thika Greens Golf Resort, with the first group expected to tee-off at 7:30am. 

Vipingo Ridge’s Naom Wafula follows her teeshot during the 7th leg of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing at VetLab.

By DANIELLA APIYO

Kenyan professional and elite amateur golfers are gearing up for the Absa Invitational series, the penultimate leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, this week at the par-72 Thika Greens Golf Resort, as the Tour heads into a crucial phase of the season. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

The Thika Greens which tees off from the Wednesday 14th to Friday 16th January 2025, has attracted a strong regional field of 82 golfers from 10 African countries, with Kenyan players forming the largest contingent with 55 players as they look to capitalize on home advantage and push for valuable Sunshine Development Tour order of merit points, Official World Golf Ranking points and a share of the Ksh. 2 million prize money on offer.

Among those preparing for the event is leading Kenyan amateur and winner of the Royal Nairobi leg, John Lejirma, who has enjoyed a strong run on the Tour and continues to sharpen his game against professional competition.

John Lejirma follows his tee shot at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club during the sixth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.

“I have been preparing well and I am looking forward to playing at Thika Greens,” said Lejirma. “Competing regularly on the Sunshine Development Tour has helped my game a lot, especially mentally. Playing against professionals from across Africa pushes you to raise your level every week.”

Muthaiga Golf Club professional Greg Snow, who has been a consistent performer on the Tour, recently claiming the Limuru Country Club leg title, believes the Thika leg will be highly competitive.

“Preparation has been good and I am feeling confident heading into Thika. The Tour has been very competitive this season and every event feels important. Thika Greens is a course that rewards good ball striking, so you really have to be sharp from the first tee. Having played there already in the current season, I feel confident that I will post good scores,” said Snow.

Also in the field is experienced Kenyan pro and President of the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK), John Wangai, who says the Tour has brought renewed focus and structure to professional golf in the country.

“I have been working on my game and fitness ahead of Thika,” said Wangai. “This Tour has given us regular competition at a high standard, and that makes a big difference. Every event feels like an opportunity to test yourself and move closer to the next level. We look forward to a great event in Thika as we approach the end of the season.”

CJ Wangai in action during the Betika Masters at VetLab Sports Club.

For Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club who recently turned professional, the Thika Greens event is a perfect opportunity to launch her professional career and is eager to make an impact.

“My preparation has been focused on consistency and course management,” said Wanjiru. “Playing at Thika Greens is special for me and I am excited to compete against such a strong field. Being part of this Tour has given me confidence that I belong at this level. Seeing the growth of professional golf in Kenya over the past year played a key part in convincing me to turn pro.”

Sunshine Ladies Tour card holder Naom Wafula, who continues to use the Tour to sharpen her game, said the Thika event is key as players look to finish the season strongly.

“I have been preparing well and focusing on my short game and fitness,” said Wafula. “The Sunshine Development Tour has raised the level of competition and every event matters. Thika Greens is an important leg and I am looking forward to testing myself again.”

The Thika Greens tournament forms part of the Absa Invitational series and is expected to deliver three days of intense competition as Kenyan players look to assert themselves against strong regional opposition drawn from Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Burundi, Ghana and Senegal.

The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing continues to provide a structured, merit based pathway for professional and elite amateur golfers, offering Official World Golf Ranking points and a direct route to continental and global golf opportunities.