By KPC Sports Reporter
Kenya Railway Golf Club professional Samuel Njoroge carded an impressive two-under-par 69 to seize the outright lead after the opening round of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing at Thika Sports Club.
Njoroge delivered one of the steadiest performances of the day, combining precision and patience on the par-71 course.
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His round featured birdies on the 10th, 11th and 15th holes, with his only blemish coming at the 9th. He played the rest of the course at level par to cap a composed start to the tournament.
“I’m very pleased with the start,” said Njoroge. “I stayed patient throughout the round and tried to keep the ball in play. The course played well, and I managed to take my chances when they came.”
With two rounds still to play, the Kenyan pro remains focused on consistency. “There’s still a long way to go, so the focus now is to stay consistent and build on this momentum in the next round,” he added.
Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera sits just one shot behind in second place after posting a one-under-par 70.
The Sunshine Tour card holder made a strong start with back-to-back birdies on the 1st and 2nd holes, and added further gains on the 14th and 15th. However, bogeys on the 6th, 9th and 17th denied him a share of the lead.
“I started quite well today… I gave myself chances and stayed competitive throughout the day,” said Nsanzuwera.
“There were a few mistakes that cost me, but I’m happy to be in a strong position heading into round two.”
He acknowledged the challenge of the Thika layout, adding: “This course is challenging. I need to keep my balls in play and stick to my routines, practice more, hole the putts and make some birdies.”
Tanzanian amateur Isaka Dunia also shares second place after a rollercoaster round.
Dunia looked set to take control after a flawless front nine, making the turn at two-under-par 33 with birdies on the 8th and 9th.
He extended his charge with birdies on the 10th and 16th to reach four-under and briefly top the leaderboard, but a costly finish—double bogey on the 17th and bogey on the 18th—saw him settle for a round of 70.
“I played really well for most of the day and felt in control,” said Dunia. “It was disappointing to finish the way I did, but there are still two rounds left and I’m happy to still be right in contention.”
American professional Andrew Proctor and newly turned pro Michael Karanga are tied for fourth on level par, keeping within striking distance of the leaders.
A three-man group comprising Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel, East Africa Q-School winner Ali Wasim, and Uganda’s Abraham Ainamani sits in sixth place at one-over-par 72.
The three-day tournament continues Monday, with players chasing crucial early-season points, Official World Golf Ranking opportunities, and a strong start in the race for Sunshine Development Tour honours.
