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.

Kenyan junior golfer Malaika Kasio tees-off at Windsor during the NCBA Kenya Invitational Junior tournament earlier this year.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) is set to host the annual NCBA Kenya Junior Invitational, the largest and most prestigious event on the U.S. Kids Golf calendar in Kenya. The tournament will take place from December 20th to 22nd, 2025, at the Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, and is expected to attract approximately 120 elite junior golfers from across the globe. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Now a cornerstone event on the regional junior golf calendar, the NCBA Junior Invitational has grown steadily over the years, earning a reputation for world-class organization, strong competition, and international participation. The 2025 edition will feature juniors from eight countries: Kenya, Uganda, Lithuania, India, Thailand, Norway, Nigeria, and China, reinforcing the event’s growing global profile.

The Invitational carries additional significance, with the Boys 13–14, Boys 15–18, and Girls 15–18 categories eligible for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points. This provides young golfers with a rare and valuable opportunity to earn international ranking points on home soil, further strengthening Kenya’s position as a hub for competitive junior golf in Africa.

Previous editions of the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Invitational have produced standout performances from juniors who have gone on to compete and win in regional and international amateur events. The tournament has become a critical stepping stone for juniors transitioning from national competition to global stages, aligning with JGF’s long-term player development pathway.

Adam Nesbitt in action at Muthaiga during the NCBA US Kids Golf Fall Tour Championship.

Speaking ahead of the event, James Odingo, Tournament Director and Vice President of the Junior Golf Foundation, emphasized the Invitational’s importance to junior golf development in Kenya and beyond:

“The NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Invitational is the pinnacle of our junior golf calendar. It brings together the best junior golfers from different parts of the world, creating a competitive environment that challenges our players and prepares them for international golf. With WAGR points on offer and participation from eight countries, this event continues to raise the standard of junior golf in Kenya.”

He added:

“Over the years, we have seen juniors who competed in this Invitational go on to excel in elite amateur tournaments and earn global recognition. This event is a clear demonstration of what is possible when strong partnerships, quality competition, and structured development come together.

The tournament is sponsored by NCBA Bank, the title sponsor of the U.S. Kids Golf Series. NCBA’s support of junior golf has played a pivotal role in expanding access to competitive opportunities, nurturing talent, and positioning Kenya as a leading destination for junior golf in the region.

NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora, said: “The NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Kenya Invitational reflects our long-term commitment to developing junior golf in Kenya and across the region. Through our partnership with the Junior Golf Foundation and U.S. Kids Golf, we are creating structured pathways that give young players exposure, competitive experience, and opportunities to grow both locally and internationally. We are proud to see this tournament continue to raise standards and position Kenya as a destination for world-class junior golf. We are delighted to welcome all the junior golfers to this tournament as we close the year.”