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Njoroge Kibugu after winning the SunDev Tour East Africa Swing Order of Merit

AFTER securing a commanding five-stroke victory at the Sunshine Development (SunDev) Tour East Africa Swing Absa Invitational Series – Karen Tour Final at Karen Country Club in Kenya on Wednesday, Njoroge Kibugu has been crowned the Order of Merit champion at the inaugural event.

The Kenyan professional finished the season with 1,497.23 points from 10 tournaments, recording four victories, including his latest triumph at the series finale, which confirmed his position at the top of the Order of Merit ahead of Celestin Nsanzuwera.

Speaking after his win, Kibugu said he had not been feeling at his best heading into the Karen final but remained confident in his abilities. He added that winning the Order of Merit was a reward for the hard work he has put in over time. “This one means a lot to me. Coming into the season finale, I wasn’t feeling my best after the holiday break, but I trusted my game and focused on giving myself chances. I putted well and stayed patient, and that made the difference. Winning the Order of Merit feels like a real statement and a reward for the work I’ve put in. It gives me confidence and motivation for what lies ahead,” said Kibugu. At the series finale, Kibugu finished on 14-under-par 196, with rounds of 64, 68 and 64. Nsanzuwera finished runner-up on nine-under-par 201, after rounds of 65, 67 and 69. The Rwandan professional said he was proud of the way he performed throughout the season. “I started well, but mistakes on the fourth and fifth holes cost me momentum. I stayed focused and tried to play my game, but a few missed chances made the difference. Finishing second on the Order of Merit is still a strong result, and I’m proud of the season I’ve had,” said Nsanzuwera. The Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing concludes its inaugural season having established a clear competitive pathway for professional and elite amateur golfers across the region, with the top performers now progressing to continental play-off opportunities and Sunshine Tour qualification events. Following the Karen event, attention now turns to the Big Easy Tour Play-off, which will be held at Modderfontein Golf Club from 27 to 29 January 2026. After the play-off, the top 12 players on the combined East Africa Swing and Big Easy Tour Order of Merit will earn direct playing cards for the Sunshine Tour.

Thereafter, the top 30 players from the SunDev Tour East Africa Swing and the top 30 from South Africa’s Big Easy Tour will contest the Big Easy Tour Finals, scheduled for March 2026 in South Africa, where 12 places will be available at the Sunshine Tour Final Qualifying School, offering a chance to secure additional Sunshine Tour cards.