By KPC Sports Reporter
Thika Greens Golf Resort will come alive this week as 82 golfers from across the continent gather for the ninth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.
Running from January 14 to 16, the tournament, officially titled the Absa Invitational Series, brings together ambition, experience and emerging talent from 10 African countries in what promises to be three days of fiercely competitive golf.
The field features 62 professionals and 20 elite amateurs, underscoring the Tour’s role as a critical bridge between amateur golf and the professional ranks.
Kenya leads the charge with 55 players, followed by Uganda (10), Rwanda (5) and Nigeria (4).
Tanzania and Zimbabwe will field two players each, while Malawi, Burundi, Ghana and Senegal will each be represented by one golfer.
All eyes will be on Kenya’s Njoroge Kibugu, the current Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit leader.
Kibugu has enjoyed a remarkable season, winning three legs at Thika Greens, Nyali Golf Club and VetLab Sports Club—success that has already earned him a coveted Sunshine Tour card.
He will anchor a strong Kenyan contingent that includes seasoned professionals Dismas Indiza and Greg Snow, both past winners on the East Africa Swing, alongside elite amateurs John Lejirma and Michael Karanga, who continue to impress with their consistency and maturity.
Uganda’s hopes rest on Ronald Rugumayo, one of the country’s most accomplished professionals and a regular on South Africa’s Big Easy Tour.
Rugumayo arrives in Thika in fine form after a joint second-place finish at Big Easy Tour 8 at Killarney Country Club.
He is backed by a solid Ugandan lineup that includes David Kamulindwa, Ronald Otile, Phillip Kasozi and Grace Kasango.
From Rwanda, Celestin Nsanzuwera is among the players to watch. A model of consistency, Nsanzuwera has recorded wins at Q-School, Diani and Kigali, and currently sits second on the Order of Merit after a string of strong finishes across the Tour.
Tanzania’s challenge will be led by Nuru Mollel, alongside Fadhyl Nkya, Isaac Wanyeche, Isiaka Dunia and Angel Eaton, all of whom have been regular features in the Tour’s inaugural season.
West Africa will be represented by Nigeria’s Sunday Olapade, a familiar face on the East Africa Swing, who continues to chase his ambition of progressing to golf’s major tours, alongside Gift Willy, Kamalu Bako and Ajayi Tajudeen.
The mixed field also includes five female golfers, led by Kenya’s Naom Wafula, the highest-ranked woman on the Tour this season.
Wafula has made seven cuts and her consistency has already earned her a Sunshine Ladies Tour card through a newly created African Affiliate category.
She will be joined by Angel Eaton, newly turned professional Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club, Margret Njoki and Diana Njue.
Tournament Director David Kihara said everything was in place for a successful event.
“We are fully prepared for this leg of the Sunshine Development Tour and the course is in excellent condition. The response from players across the region has been very encouraging and it shows the growing confidence in the Tour,” said Kihara.
He added that the diversity of the field reflects the Tour’s broader vision.
“Having golfers from across East and West Africa competing in the same field is exactly what this Tour was created for. It’s about meaningful competition, exposure and providing a pathway beyond home countries. We expect three very competitive days of golf at this stage of the season.”
The Absa Invitational Series will be played over 54 holes, with a Ksh 2 million prize purse at stake.
Beyond the prize money, players will be competing for Official World Golf Ranking and World Amateur Golf Ranking points, adding further significance to an event that continues to cement its place on Africa’s golfing calendar.