Kibugu fires 64 to take early first round lead at Invitational Series in Karen

Windsor Golf and Country Club professional Njoroge Kibugu produced a superb 6-under par 64 to seize the early lead after the opening round of the Absa Invitational Series, the final leg of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing, at Karen Country Club.

Playing on the par-70 course, Kibugu opened strongly with birdies on the 1st, 7th and 9th holes, despite dropped shots on the 6th and 8th. He picked up another birdie on the 10th before bogeys on the 11th and 13th, then finished in style with back-to-back birdies on the 16th and 17th to cap a commanding round.

“It was pretty alright today, smooth sailing. I had two bogeys on the card but finishing at six under, I am happy with the round. The course played quite well. The greens are not the smoothest, but I will take the score. The strategy for tomorrow is to just stick to my game plan as I did today and just hope for the best,” said Kibugu after his round.

Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera sits second on the leaderboard at 5-under par. His round featured birdies on holes 1, 2, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 17, with a bogey on the 11th and a double bogey on the 13th.

“I started pretty well with a birdie on the tenth where I teed off. I made mistakes on eleven and thirteen, but I stayed focused and did not drop any more shots. Finishing five under is a good start. I really want to win the overall title because it would be my third win on the tour, and winning the final event would mean earning a Sunshine Tour card,” said Nsanzuwera.

Nigeria’s Kamalo Bako is third on 4-under par, highlighted by birdies on 2, 6, 16 and 18, an eagle on the 12th, and dropped shots on the 5th, 11th and 15th.

Fourth place is shared by Isaiah Otuke and Johnny Limb, both on 3-under par. Otuke recorded eight birdies but was pegged back by five bogeys, while Limb carded birdies on the 1st, 7th, 10th, 12th and 14th holes, with bogeys on the 13th and 15th.

“The course was playing fair and I am happy with my score. It feels more comfortable playing at home. I have played here since I was a kid, so I know my way around and felt confident coming into this tournament,” said Limb after his round.

A tightly packed chasing group lies just behind, with Daniel Nduva, Mike Kisia, Kenneth Bollo, Uganda’s Otile Ronald and Nigeria’s Kamalo Bako tied at sixth on 2-under par, keeping the leaderboard finely poised heading into round two.

The Invitational Series carries a Ksh. 2 million prize purse, along with Official World Golf Ranking points and Order of Merit points, which are vital in the race to qualify for the Sunshine Development Tour Africa Championship and secure Sunshine Tour membership.