Greg Snow in action at the Theo Manyama Qualifying School – Final Stage in South Africa.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS 

Kenyan professional golfer Greg Snow has earned a coveted Sunshine Tour card for the 2026/27 season following an impressive performance at the Theo Manyama Qualifying School – Final Stage held from 25th to 29th March 2026 at Parys Golf & Country Estate and Vaal de Grace Golf Estate in South Africa. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Competing against a strong field of 178 players from across Africa and beyond, Snow delivered a composed and consistent display over the grueling 90-hole tournament that featured a cut after 72 holes for the top 65 players and ties to finish tied 21st at 15-under par 345.

He carded rounds of 68, 68, 67, 72 and 70 to secure a place among the top 25 players and ties, earning Sunshine Tour membership in Category 9. This category provides players with higher chances of entry into events, particularly when fields are oversubscribed.

On the final day, Snow opened with a 34 on the front nine, including birdies at the par-4 sixth and par-5 ninth. Despite back-to-back bogeys at holes 12 and 13, the experienced golfer recovered strongly with birdies at the par-4 17th and par-5 18th to record a strong finish.

Reflecting on the achievement, Snow said: “Securing my Sunshine Tour card for the 2026/2027 season is an incredible feeling. It’s something I’ve worked towards for a long time, so there’s a real sense of pride and relief knowing that the hard work has paid off. At the same time, it’s only the beginning. I see it as an opportunity to compete consistently at a high level, keep improving, and really test myself against some of the best players out there. I’m excited for what’s ahead, grateful for the support around me, and motivated to make the most of this next chapter.”

Snow earned the right to play in the final stage of Q School by finishing 5th in the Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit, which qualified him among the top 30 players for the 90-hole final qualifying event in South Africa.

On his decision to take part in Q School, Snow added: “Taking the leap to come to South Africa for Q School was driven by a belief in my game and a desire to compete at a higher level. I knew that if I wanted to grow and give myself the best opportunities, I had to step out of my comfort zone and test myself in a stronger, more competitive environment.”

The Muthaiga Golf Club player becomes the fourth player from the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing to secure a Sunshine Tour card for the 2026/27 season. He joins Njoroge Kibugu, Celestin Nsanzuwera and Dismas Indiza, who finished first, second and third respectively on the Order of Merit during the Tour’s inaugural season.

Speaking on Snow’s achievement, Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing Promoter Charles Gacheru praised the golfer’s consistency and highlighted the pathway the tour continues to create for regional talent.

“Greg’s achievement is a perfect example of what the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing was designed to do. It provides our players with a clear and competitive pathway to the Sunshine Tour and beyond. Finishing fifth on the Order of Merit and then going on to secure a tour card at the final stage of Q School shows the level of talent we have in this region,” Gacheru said. “For Greg, this is a well-deserved milestone. He has been one of the most consistent professionals in the region, and earning his Sunshine Tour card is both a reward for his persistence and a great moment for Kenyan golf. It also sends a strong message to upcoming players that if you perform well on the Development Tour, the opportunities to progress to the next level are very real,” he added.

He was one of three Sunshine Development Tour players in the field, having earned his place through the Tour. Rizwan Charania finished tied 114th after posting a total of 293 (+5), missing the cut to the final round, while Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo impressed with an 8-under par 352 to finish tied 56th. Although Rugumayo narrowly missed out on a Sunshine Tour card, his performance secured him Big Easy Tour membership, making him eligible to compete on both the Big Easy Tour and Sunshine Development Tour this season.

The tournament was won by Chile’s Agustín Errazuriz, who produced a dominant performance to finish at an outstanding 26-under par.

Looking ahead to the Sunshine Tour, Snow said: “I know it’s still early, but I’m really looking forward to competing week in and week out against such a strong field. The Sunshine Tour gives you the chance to test every part of your game, and that’s something I’m excited to embrace. I’m also looking forward to traveling, experiencing different courses, and learning how to adapt to different conditions. That’s where you really grow as a player. Most importantly, I’m excited to keep improving, put myself in contention, and hopefully give myself chances to win. It’s a big step up, but it’s exactly the kind of challenge I’ve been working towards.”

Reflecting on the impact of the Sunshine Development Tour, Snow noted: “I’d tell everyone back home that the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing is a genuine game changer for golfers in our region. It’s no longer just about dreaming of competing internationally; it’s about having a clear, structured pathway to get there. The Tour gives players consistent, high-level competition right on our doorstep, which is something we’ve always needed. You’re playing in professionally run events, under pressure, with ranking points and real consequences that’s exactly what prepares you for bigger stages. Further, it creates a direct link to the Sunshine Tour and beyond. If you perform well, you’re not just gaining confidence you’re earning status, opportunities, and exposure that can take you onto global tours like the DP World Tour.

Sunshine Development Tour Tournament Director David Kihara hailed Snow’s achievement as a strong endorsement of the Tour’s impact in developing competitive talent within the region.

“We’re really proud of what Greg has achieved this week. He handled the pressure impressively and showed real maturity in his game. You could see his confidence grow throughout the tournament, and it’s clear the work he’s been putting in is now paying off. This is a big step for him, and a strong signal of the progress we’re seeing in the game across the region,” said Kihara.

Snow’s success adds to the growing list of East African golfers making strides on the international stage, underlining the Sunshine Development Tour’s role as a critical bridge between regional competition and global professional golf.

Muthaiga Golf Club’s Jay Sandhu celebrates after winning the 2026 NCBA Muthaiga Open title.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Home player Jay Sandhu has been crowned the winner of the 2026 NCBA Muthaiga Open, the fifth leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Fresh from his victory at the Windsor Classic, Sandhu maintained his blistering form over the three-round tournament, carding rounds of 69, 70, and 72 for a total of 2-under par 211 and successfully fending off a competitive field of 145 elite amateur golfers, that included fifteeen juniors, four of whom made the cut to play the final round

Despite bogeys on the 10th, 13th, and 14th holes during the final round, Sandhu secured his lead with critical birdies on the 4th and 18th.

Speaking after his triumph, Sandhu said: “Winning here at Muthaiga is always special, but to do it back-to-back after Windsor feels incredible. The course was playing fast, and I knew I had to stay patient when those bogeys crept in on the back nine. This win isn’t just about the trophy; it’s about the momentum we’re building for next year’s Magical Kenya Open qualification.”

Sandhu secured the top prize of Ksh 115,600 from the Ksh 400,000 purse.

The battle for second was equally intense. John Lejirma of Royal Nairobi Golf Club pushed the pace with an aggressive final round of 71. Lejirma’s scorecard was the most active of the day, featuring five birdies on holes 6, 7, 12, 15 and the 18th. However, five bogeys prevented him from catching Sandhu, leaving him at level par 213 (69, 73, 71) for the tournament, taking home Ksh 69,400.

2026 NCBA Muthaiga Open champion Jay Sandhu poses with his trophy.

Reflecting on his runner-up finish, Lejirma, who is the KAGC overall defending champion noted: “It was a fight from the first tee to the last green. I felt like I had the birdies in me today, but a few dropped shots especially on the par-4s kept the lead just out of reach. Two shots is a small margin at Muthaiga, but I’m happy with how I’m striking the ball. I can only hope to improve moving forward to other tournaments.”

Rounding out the podium was Michael Karanga who showed remarkable consistency and improvement throughout the weekend, carding rounds of 73, 71, and a final-day 70. His 1-under par final round was one of the best of the day, moving him into third place with a total of 1-over par 214. He earned Ksh 46,200 for his efforts.

Muthaiga’s Daniel Kiragu secured fourth place with a 3-over par 216, while Bo Ciera rounded out the top five at 4-over par 217.

Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony NCBA Ciata Mall Branch Manager Emmanuel Leitemu stated: At NCBA, we are incredibly happy to support the growth of golf in Kenya. Watching Jay Sandhu maintain his form and seeing the grit of players like Lejirma and Warigia confirms that the standard of the KAGC is reaching new heights. The circuit is growing stronger with every leg, and we are proud to provide a platform where every performance brings these athletes closer to their professional dreams.

With this win, Jay Sandhu extends his lead at the top of the standings with 560 points. Junior star Junaid Manji sits in second with 334 points, followed closely by John Lejirma in third with 230 points.