Top Kenyan professional and elite amateur golfers are among 85 players gearing up for the Absa Invitational series, the penultimate leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, which tees off today (Wednesday) at the par-72 Thika Greens Golf Resort.
The Thika Greens which tees off from Wednesday to Friday, has attracted a strong regional field of 82 golfers from 10 African countries, with Kenyan players forming the largest contingent with 55 players as they look to capitalise on home advantage and push for valuable Sunshine Development Tour order of merit points, Official World Golf Ranking points and a share of the Sh2 million prize money on offer.
Leading Kenyan amateur and winner of the Royal Nairobi leg, John Lejirma, has enjoyed a strong run on the Tour and continues to sharpen his game against professional competition.
“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, who has been a consistent performer on the Tour, recently claiming the Limuru Country Club leg title, believes the Thika leg will be highly competitive.
“Preparation has been good, and I am feeling confident heading into Thika. The Tour has been very competitive this season, and every event feels important. Thika Greens is a course that rewards good ball striking, so you really have to be sharp from the first tee. Having played there already in the current season, I feel confident that I will post good scores,” said Snow.
Experienced Kenyan pro and President of the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK), John Wangai, says the Tour has brought renewed focus and structure to professional golf in the country.
“I have been working on my game and fitness ahead of Thika. This Tour has given us regular competition at a high standard, and that makes a big difference. Every event feels like an opportunity to test yourself and move closer to the next level. We look forward to a great event in Thika as we approach the end of the season,” said Wangai.
For Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club, who recently turned professional, the Thika Greens event is a perfect opportunity to launch her professional career, and she is eager to make an impact.
“My preparation has been focused on consistency and course management,” said Wanjiru.
“Playing at Thika Greens is special for me and I am excited to compete against such a strong field. Being part of this Tour has given me confidence that I belong at this level. Seeing the growth of professional golf in Kenya over the past year played a key part in convincing me to turn pro,” she remarked.
Sunshine Ladies Tour card holder Naom Wafula, who continues to use the Tour to sharpen her game, said the Thika event is key as players look to finish the season strongly.
“I have been preparing well and focusing on my short game and fitness. The Sunshine Development Tour has raised the level of competition, and every event matters. Thika Greens is an important leg and I am looking forward to testing myself again.”
The Thika Greens tournament forms part of the Absa Invitational series and is expected to deliver three days of intense competition as Kenyan players look to assert themselves against strong regional opposition drawn from Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Burundi, Ghana and Senegal.
by The Star
