Kenya’s leading professional golfer Njoroge Kibugu is shifting focus to the continental circuit after a timely boost to his next competitive phase on the Sunshine Tour.
The 22-year-old heads into the expanded Sunshine Tour season, set to run from April 15 through March 2027, after a Sh2 million financial boost from Absa Bank to aid in his preparations for the continental showpiece.
The support he acknowledged will go directly into sustaining his tour campaign, noting; “ This will help towards my development on the Sunshine Tour this season.”
His main target for the new season will be to finish in the top twenty of the Order of Merit.
“One of my goals is to win one Sunshine Tour and finish in the top twenty of the Order of Merit as no Kenyan has won on the Sunshine Tour. I am very excited for that and there is a lot to look forward to. I cannot wait for the next Magical Kenya Open,” said Kibugu.
Kibugu will be buoyed by both form after emerging as Kenya’s standout performer at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa.
Kibugu was the only Kenyan to make the cut at the tournament staged at Karen Country Club, navigating a competitive field of over 30 nations with composure.
His campaign turned on a defining moment in round two where he holed a spectacular eagle on the 18th to secure passage into the final rounds.
Kibugu closed the tournament tied 61st at six-under-par.
He built his campaign around a crucial eagle on the 18th in round two before signing off with a blemish-free 65 that featured five birdies.
For his strong display at the MKO, Kibugu further received Sh5 million from the government.
His results from the Kenya Open came off the back of a dominant regional season in which Kibugu swept the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing Order of Merit, amassing 1,497 points after winning four legs.
It included a commanding 14-under-par victory at the Absa Invitational, a run that underlined his readiness for elite competition and secured his pathway into the Sunshine Tour structures.
Speaking during the presentation, Absa Bank Kenya’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director, Mwihaki Wachira reiterated the bank’s commitment to nurturing local talent through sustained investment in the sport.
In total, Absa invested Sh65 million into the 2026 Magical Kenya Open Golf Tournament, cementing its position as the presenting partner and largest private sector sponsor of the prestigious golf tournament for the 15th consecutive year.
