Kenyan golfers eye home advantage at Sunshine Tour Invitational in Thika

Kenyan professional and elite amateur golfers are set to take centre stage at the Invitational series, the penultimate leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, teeing off this week at the par-72 Thika Greens Golf Resort.

The three-day tournament, running from Wednesday to Friday, has attracted a strong field of 82 golfers from 10 African countries.

Kenyans form the largest contingent with 55 players, all aiming to maximize home advantage as they chase Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points, Official World Golf Ranking points and a share of the Ksh.2 million prize purse.

Leading Kenyan amateur John Lejirma, winner of the Royal Nairobi leg, is among the players in form heading into Thika, crediting the Tour for sharpening his competitive edge against seasoned professionals.

“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, fresh from victory at the Limuru Country Club leg, expects a fiercely contested event, noting that Thika Greens rewards precision and strong ball striking.

“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.

Also in the field is veteran pro and Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) president John Wangai, who says the Tour has brought much-needed structure and consistency to professional golf in the country.

“I have been working on my game and fitness ahead of Thika,” said Wangai. “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.”

Rising talent Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club, recently turned professional, will be looking to make a strong statement.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Sunshine Ladies Tour card holder Naom Wafula sees the Thika leg as key to finishing the season strongly.

“I have been preparing well and focusing on my short game and fitness,” said Wafula. “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 Invitational is expected to deliver high-quality competition, with regional challengers from Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Burundi, Ghana and Senegal.

The Sunshine Development Tour continues to serve as a vital pathway for East African golfers seeking continental and global opportunities.