By KPC Sports Reporter
Kenyan golfers will face a crucial test this week as the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing reaches its penultimate stop at Thika Greens Golf Resort.
The Absa Invitational for both professional and armature golfers is scheduled to run from Wednesday to Friday at the par-72 course, and has attracted a strong regional field of 82 golfers drawn from 10 African countries.
Kenyan players dominate the entry list with 55 participants, keen to capitalise on home advantage as they chase vital Order of Merit points, Official World Golf Ranking points and a share of the Ksh.2 million prize purse.
Leading Kenyan amateur John Lejirma, who claimed victory at the Royal Nairobi leg, arrives in Thika in confident form after a consistent run on the Tour.
“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, fresh from winning the Limuru Country Club leg, expects a tightly contested event.
“Preparation has been good and I am feeling confident heading into Thika,” said Snow.
“The Tour has been very competitive this season and every event feels important. Thika Greens rewards good ball striking, so you really have to be sharp from the first tee.”
Veteran professional and Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) president John Wangai said the Tour has brought renewed structure and momentum to local professional golf.
“This Tour has given us regular competition at a high standard, and that makes a big difference,” Wangai noted.
“Every event is an opportunity to test yourself and move closer to the next level as we approach the end of the season.”
Also in the field is Kiambu Golf Club’s Joyce Wanjiru, who recently turned professional and views the Thika event as a key step in her career.
“Playing at Thika Greens is special for me,” said Wanjiru.
“Being part of this Tour has given me confidence that I belong at this level. The growth of professional golf in Kenya over the past year played a big role in my decision to turn pro.”
Sunshine Ladies Tour card holder Naom Wafula echoed similar sentiments, noting the importance of finishing the season strongly.
“The Sunshine Development Tour has raised the level of competition and every event matters,” she said.
“Thika Greens is an important leg and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
The Thika Greens tournament forms part of the Absa Invitational series and is expected to deliver three days of intense competition, with players from Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Burundi, Ghana and Senegal also in action.