By KPC Sports reporter
The second leg of the 2026 Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, the NCBA Royal Classic, tees off on Sunday at the historic Royal Nairobi Golf Club with one of the strongest fields assembled on the circuit this season.
The three-day tournament, running from June 7 to 9, has attracted 96 golfers from 11 countries, further cementing the Tour’s reputation as East Africa’s premier professional golf development platform.
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Players from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Côte d’Ivoire, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States will compete for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, Order of Merit points, and a share of the KES 2 million prize purse.
Leading the field is Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera, who arrives in Nairobi fresh from victory at the season-opening event at Thika Sports Club.
The Kigali Golf Resort professional will be joined by fellow Sunshine Development Tour champions Dismas Indiza, Greg Snow, and newly turned professional John Lejirma, who won the Royal Nairobi leg during the Tour’s inaugural season.
Kenya fields the largest contingent, featuring leading professionals Samuel Njoroge, Michael Karanga, Mutahi Kibugu, John Karichu, Erick Ooko, Edwin Mudanyi, Abraham Galgalo, Tony Omuli, Rizwan Charania, and David Wakhu.
The amateur ranks include some of the country’s brightest prospects, among them Ali Wasim, winner of the Tour’s Qualifying School in Limuru, alongside Kevin Anyien, William Odek, Tsevi Soni, Lyndon Darker, Adel Balala, Elvis Muigua, Fred Njoroge, Paul Ichangi, Mitansh Thacker, and Yuvraj Singh Rajput.
Regional participation remains strong. Rwanda will also be represented by Aloys Nsabimana, Emile Nshimyumuremyi, Jacques Byiringiro, Felix Dusabe, and Jean D’Amour Hitayezu.
Uganda’s challenge will be led by Abraham Ainamani, Gaita Rodell Tadeo, Phillip Kasozi, Marvin Kibirige, Ronald Otile, James Koto, and professional golfer Irene Nakalembe.
Tanzania’s lineup includes Nuru Mollel, Isaac Wanyeche, Abdallah Yusufu, Angel Eaton, Neema Olomi, and Madina Hussein, while Nigeria’s team features Francis Epe, Godwin Okoko, Solomon Ideriah, Kamalu Bako, Ajayi Tajudeen, Eze Monday, and Sunday Olapade.
Adding international flavor to the competition are Ghana’s Ezekiel Afisco, Zimbabweans Liberty Gumisa and Lloyd Dube, Côte d’Ivoire’s Kouame Kouakou Richard and Kouassi Jean-Romaric Djezou, Americans Andrew Proctor and Gabriel Cruz, and British professional Elliot Bradley.
The women’s field underscores the Tour’s commitment to inclusivity and player development. Professionals Naom Wafula, Angel Eaton, Irene Nakalembe, Joyce Wanjiru, Margaret Njoki, and Kasango Grace will compete alongside leading amateurs Kellie Gachaga, Mercy Nyanchama, Madina Hussein, and Neema Olomi.
Tournament Director David Kihara said the quality and diversity of the field reflected the growing stature of the Sunshine Development Tour.
“We are delighted to bring the Sunshine Development Tour back to Royal Nairobi Golf Club, one of the most iconic venues in East African golf.
The response from players has been exceptional and reflects the growing importance of the Tour as a pathway for golfers seeking progression to the Sunshine Tour and ultimately the global stage,” said Kihara.
He added: “What is particularly encouraging is the diversity of the field. We have established professionals, emerging amateurs, women golfers, juniors and players from across Africa and beyond all competing on the same platform. That is exactly what the Tour was created to achieve.”
Kihara noted that the recently concluded Qualifying Schools in East and West Africa had significantly expanded the Tour’s reach and competitiveness.
“We have already seen players earn Sunshine Tour opportunities through this pathway, and we expect the competition at Royal Nairobi to be of an extremely high standard as players continue their pursuit of ranking points, titles and career progression,” he said.
The tournament follows an exciting season opener at Thika Sports Club, where Nsanzuwera secured victory at four-under-par.
Kenya’s Samuel Njoroge and Michael Karanga finished tied for second, setting the stage for another thrilling contest at Royal Nairobi.
