By KPC Sports Reporter
The 2026/27 Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing gets underway this Sunday, April 19, at Thika Sports Club, marking the first time the venue hosts an event on the circuit.
The three-day tournament, running through April 21, signals the official start of the new season following successful East and West Africa Qualifying Schools held earlier this month in Limuru and Lagos.
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A strong field of 59 players from eight countries is set to compete, reflecting the Tour’s growing status as a key pathway to the Sunshine Tour and broader global opportunities.
The lineup features a mix of professionals, elite amateurs, juniors, and leading female golfers.
Kenya fields the largest contingent, headlined by Sunshine Tour card holders Greg Snow and Dismas Indiza.
Other notable local players include John Karichu, Rizwan Charania, John Kagiri, Sujan Shah, Sammy Mulama, William Odek, and East Africa Q-School winner Ali Wasim. Naomi Wafula and Kellie Gachaga will lead Kenya’s women’s challenge.
Uganda brings a strong squad featuring Ronald Rugumayo, Abraham Ainamani, Bagalana Hussein, Phillip Kasozi, and Irene Nakalembe.
Rwanda will be represented by Sunshine Tour card holder Celestin Nsanzuwera, alongside Aloys Nsabimana and Emile Nshimyumuremyi.
Tanzania’s lineup includes Fadhyl Nkya, Nuru Mollel, and elite amateur Madina Hussein, while Malawi’s Kamoza Longwe also joins the field.
The event has attracted further international participation, including India’s junior Hetansh Shah, the United Kingdom’s Elliot Bradley, and American duo Andrew Proctor and Gabriel Cruz.
Sunshine Development Tour Tournament Director David Kihara expressed confidence ahead of the opening event, noting that preparations at Thika Sports Club are complete.
“We are delighted to bring the Sunshine Development Tour to Thika Sports Club for the first time. The course is in excellent condition, and we expect a highly competitive start to the 2026–2027 season,” said Kihara.
He added that the recently concluded qualifying tournaments highlighted the depth of emerging talent across the continent.
“Now the real season begins. Players are competing not only for titles, but for Order of Merit points, world ranking opportunities, and progression to the Sunshine Tour. We expect a very high standard of golf this week,” he said.
The new season follows standout performances at the qualifiers, where Kenya’s Ali Wasim triumphed in Limuru and Nigeria’s Francis Epe claimed top honors in Lagos, setting the stage for an expanded and competitive second season of the Tour.
