By KPC Reporter
Kenyan professional golfer Naom Wafula is set to make history this week as she makes her debut on the Sunshine Ladies Tour in South Africa, becoming the first Kenyan to earn a playing card for the prestigious continental circuit for professional lady golfers.
Her breakthrough comes after a consistent and impressive showing during the inaugural season of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing, which has quickly established itself as a pathway for regional golfers to reach global platforms.
Wafula left Nairobi on Sunday, February 1, ahead of her debut at the SuperSport Ladies Challenge, scheduled from February 4 to 6, 2026 at Humewood Golf Club.
The 54-hole tournament carries a prize purse of R1.3 million (approximately KES 10.4 million) and has drawn a competitive field of 56 professional golfers from 15 countries.
The countries include South Africa, Canada, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Finland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Czech Republic, Swaziland, United States Virgin Islands, and Kenya.
Speaking ahead of her debut, Wafula expressed confidence in her preparation and readiness for the step up.
“I feel well prepared going into my first Sunshine Ladies Tour event. Playing on the Sunshine Development Tour gave me regular competitive golf, exposure to strong fields and helped me understand what is required at the next level. I am excited to test myself and continue learning as I take this next step in my career,” she said.
Her achievement has been hailed by Peter Gacheru, Chairman of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing, who emphasized the significance of her progression.
“Naom’s debut on the Sunshine Ladies Tour is exactly what the Sunshine Development Tour was created to achieve. She earned this opportunity through consistent performance and merit. It is a proud moment for Kenyan and East African golf and a clear demonstration that the pathway we have built is working,” he said.
Following her debut, Wafula’s season will continue with appearances at several Sunshine Ladies Tour events.
These include the NTT Data Ladies Pro Am from February 13 to 15 at Fancourt Montagu, the Standard Bank Ladies Open from March 5 to 7 at Durbanville Golf Club, and the Jabra Ladies Classic from March 11 to 13 at Killarney Country Club.
She will then feature in the Platinum Ladies Open from March 18 to 20 at Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate, the Absa Ladies Invitational from March 26 to 28 at Royal Johannesburg, the Joburg Ladies Open from April 16 to 19 at Randpark Golf Club, the Investec SA Women’s Open from April 23 to 26 at Royal Cape Golf Club, and the MCB Ladies Classic from May 1 to 3, 2026.
Wafula’s debut marks a historic milestone for Kenyan women’s golf and underscores the growing role of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing in nurturing talent and opening doors to international competition.
Her journey is not only a personal triumph but also a beacon of inspiration for aspiring golfers across the region, demonstrating that with consistent performance and determination, East African athletes can carve their place on the global stage.