SunDev Tour - East Africa Swing
Brandon Moyo
KENYAN professional Daniel Nduva carded a final-round level-par 72 to secure a two-stroke victory at the Sunshine Development Tour (SunDev) East Africa Swing – NCBA Royal Classic held at Royal Nairobi Golf Club in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday.
Having battled injuries last year, Nduva said the victory was particularly special and credited his driving as the strongest aspect of his game during the final round. “It feels really good to get this win. The front nine was challenging and I had a few unlucky breaks, but I stayed patient and kept believing in my game. On the back nine, I hit every fairway and every green, and that gave me the confidence to attack the pins and create birdie opportunities. “My driving was probably the strongest part of my game today. When you’re hitting the driver well, it gives you confidence throughout the rest of your game. I managed to make five birdies on the back nine and that ultimately made the difference. “Last year I struggled with injury, so to come back and win again means a lot to me. This victory is a reminder that golf is about staying patient, fighting through the difficult moments and believing in yourself even when things are not going your way,” said Nduva. The Kenyan opened the tournament with an impressive five-under-par 67 before carding a 74 in the second round. After a difficult front nine in the final round, which included bogeys at the first and eighth holes and a double bogey at the seventh for an outward 40, Nduva produced a remarkable turnaround on the back nine. He dropped just one shot coming home, making birdies at the 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th and 17th holes while recording a lone bogey at the 16th. His inward 32 proved enough to seal the championship.
John Lejirma, Celestin Nsanzuwera, David Wakhu, Greg Snow, amateur Adel Balala and Sunday Olapade finished tied for second place on one-under-par 215.