Flawless Kibugu claims inaugural Sunshine Tour title

Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club’s Njoroge Kibugu produced another bogey-free round of five-under-par 67 on Thursday, sealing a remarkable three-day total of 15-under-par 201 to win the inaugural Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Wing series at the par-72 Thika Greens Golf Resort.

The 21-year-old rising star walked away with the top prize of Sh400,000 after a stellar week of golf.

Kibugu, who appears to be in peak form, played a conservative front nine during the final round, carding a lone birdie over the first four holes.

He then picked up four more birdies on the back nine, capping off a strong and composed performance. Over the three rounds, he dropped only three shots while making an impressive total of 18 birdies.

A younger brother to fellow pro Mutahi Kibugu, Njoroge had earlier fired rounds of 64 and 70 in the first two days. His final round gave him a five-shot victory over Rwanda’s Celestin Nsenzuwera, who mounted a fierce challenge.

“It feels great to kick off the season with a win. It was definitely tough going into the back nine as Celestin was right on my heels. But I managed to hold strong and pulled through,” said Kibugu.

“Winning always feels amazing. It doesn’t come often in golf. Having my friends and fellow pros watching made it even more special,” he added.

Nsenzuwera, who earned his place in the series after winning the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Wing qualifying school in April, came out firing in the final round with a four-under-par 68 despite an early bogey. He wrapped up with a total of 10-under-par 206 to finish second and took home Sh214,000.

“I gave it my best throughout the week. Today I came out strong on the front nine and managed to close the gap. I was only two shots behind at the turn and really tried to keep the pace.

My game is really improving here in Kenya and I am definitely happy with my performance. My goal is to keep on working hard and break into the top 40 in the Sunshine Development Tour,” said Nsenzuwera.

It was also a strong showing for Professional Golfers of Kenya Chairman, John Wangai, who gave the top two contenders a good chase. Despite opening with a one-over-par 73, Wangai rebounded with a 67 in round two and closed with 68 for an eight-under-par total of 208. He earned Sh144,700 for his efforts.

“The course was playing well, with the greens being soft though not very fast. Overall, the course was in great condition and I think this is why the scores were good,” said Wangai.

Kenya’s top amateur, John Lejirmah, continued his fine run of form following his Coronation Cup win in Nakuru last weekend.

Now based at Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Lejirmah carded rounds of 71, 71, and 69 for a five-under-par total of 211, finishing as the top amateur among the eight who made the cut. He earned Sh102,300.

“Things didn’t go the way I had hoped, but that’s just part of the journey. For me, every tournament is a chance to learn, grow, and get better, and I am really grateful for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to Monday where I hope to work on a few things and hopefully come back stronger,” said Lejirmah, who edged out seasoned senior pro Dismas Indiza by a single shot.

The Leader Board:

Njoroge Kibugu 64, 70, 67= 201

Celestin Nsenzuwera(Rw) 73, 65, 68= 206

John Wangai 73, 67, 68= 208

John Lejirmah (a) 71, 71, 69= 211

Dismas Indiza 70, 73, 69= 212

David Wakhu 71, 70, 72= 213

Daniel Nduva 70, 71, 72=213

Edwin Mudanyi 68, 71, 74=213.