Boost as gaming firm injects Ksh. 5million into Sunshine Development Tour

The upcoming doubleheader of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing has received a shot in the arm after gaming firm injected Ksh.5 million sponsorship for two back-to-back tournaments scheduled for November. 

The two events, will be played over consecutive weeks, with the first held at the Vetlab Sports Club from November 2nd to 4th, followed by Limuru Country Club from November 9th to 11th, 2025.

Both events are expected to attract at least 100 golfers from East Africa and beyond, and will be played over 54 holes, with a cut set for the top 30 and ties after round two. Players will compete not only for a share of the two million shillings prize purse at each event, but also for crucial global ranking points on the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, which counts towards progression into larger global tournaments.

Lejirma and Karanga are currently enjoying sponsorship from the firm, the support being a continuation of what started during the 2024 Magical Kenya Open. 

The Sunshine Development Tour - East Africa Swing provides a structured platform for professionals and elite amateurs to earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, alongside Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points, contributing to qualification opportunities for higher-tier tours such as the Sunshine Tour and Big Easy Tour in South Africa. 

Peter Gacheru, IMG Kenya CEO, expressed his delight at having the firm support the event. 

Earlier in October, Kenya’s top amateur golfer Lejirma produced a composed performance under pressure to claim victory during the sixth leg of the tour, following a dramatic sudden-death playoff at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club. 

Lejirma, who began the final round with a commanding four-shot lead over his closest challenger Njoroge Kibugu, saw his advantage wiped out as Kibugu mounted a spirited comeback. Despite dropping a single shot on the par-4 11th hole, Lejirma held his nerve to force a sudden-death playoff after both players tied on 10-under-par after regulation play. 

On the playoff hole - the par-4 18th - Lejirma kept his composure to card a par, as Kibugu faltered with a bogey, handing the home favourite a hard-fought and emotional victory. 

Up next on the SDT-EAS calendar is the VetLab Sports Club leg set for November 2-4, before paving the way for the Limuru event.