Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing
Brandon Moyo
AN even-par four on the first hole of a sudden-death play-off was enough for amateur golfer John Lejirma to defeat Njoroge Kibugu and claim victory in the sixth leg of the Johnnie Walker Classic Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing at Royal Nairobi Golf Club on Wednesday.
The third round began with Lejirma holding a four-shot lead over second-placed Kibugu. Lejirma closed with a two-under-par 70, while Kibugu produced a strong finish with a six-under-par 66. Lejirma’s final round featured three birdies and one bogey. The Royal Nairobi golfer picked up birdies on the par-four third hole, followed by back-to-back gains on the par-three sixth and par-five seventh. His only dropped shot came at the par-four 11th. Kibugu, who mounted a spirited comeback in the final round, also dropped just one shot, carding seven birdies and a single bogey. His birdies came on holes four, seven, 10, 12, 14, 15, and 17, while his lone bogey occurred on the sixth. Gaita Tadeo Rodell and Dismas Indiza finished tied for third on three-under-par 213.
The Sunshine Development Tour is the premier gateway for African professional golfers aspiring to compete at the highest level. It provides a clear path to the Sunshine Tour, offering competitive opportunities, world-class tournaments, and a platform for talent to flourish. In partnership with Golf Plus, the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing expands professional golf across East Africa. This initiative creates more opportunities for players to earn Official World Golf Ranking points and advance their careers. Built on strong partnerships with local golf unions, federations, and sponsors, the East Africa Swing ensures long-term sustainability. By fostering a structured, competitive environment, the tour is elevating African golf to new heights.
| Position | Country | Player | Hole | R1 | R2 | R3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Lejirma (a) | -10 | 18 | 70 | 66 | 70 | 206 | |
| 2 | Njoroge Kibugu | -10 | 18 | 70 | 70 | 66 | 206 | |
| 3 | Gaita Tadeo Rodell | -3 | 18 | 70 | 75 | 68 | 213 | |
| 3 | Dismas Indiza | -3 | 18 | 72 | 71 | 70 | 213 | |
| 5 | Celestin Nsanzuwera | -1 | 18 | 73 | 73 | 69 | 215 | |
| 5 | Erick Ooko Obura | -1 | 18 | 71 | 72 | 72 | 215 | |
| 7 | Kasango Grace | 0 | 18 | 71 | 73 | 72 | 216 | |
| 8 | Mutahi Kibugu | 1 | 18 | 71 | 74 | 72 | 217 | |
| 8 | Jean Hitayezu D'amour (a) | 1 | 18 | 73 | 72 | 72 | 217 | |
| 8 | Visitor Mapwanya | 1 | 18 | 73 | 71 | 73 | 217 |
Johnnie Walker Classic Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing at Royal Nairobi Golf Club Leaderboard
The final standings at the Johnnie Walker Classic Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing at Royal Nairobi Golf Club. John Lejirma and Njoroge Kibugu were separated by a play-off.
