By GPC Sports Correspondent
Veteran professional Dismas Indiza of Kakamega Golf Club and Joseph Karanja of Golf Park Golf Club are tied at the top of the leaderboard after the opening round of the Rift Valley Championship at Nakuru Golf Club.
The duo carded two-under-par 71s on the par-73 course to take a joint lead in the eighth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour.
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Indiza produced an eventful round featuring five birdies on holes 2, 5, 12, 16 and 18, alongside an eagle on the 13th. However, bogeys on holes 1, 3, 6, 14 and 17 prevented him from building a bigger advantage.
“It was a good round overall, and I’m pleased with how I played today. I managed to make some good birdies and take advantage of a few opportunities, although there were also some mistakes along the way,” Indiza said.
He added that he would carry the positives into the next round while remaining focused on putting himself in a strong position ahead of the final day.
Karanja matched Indiza’s score after recording six birdies on holes 6, 7, 11, 13, 15 and 16. Four bogeys on holes 3, 4, 8 and 10, however, offset some of his gains.
“I’m happy with the way I played today. I made some good putts and managed to create opportunities for birdies, even though I gave away a few shots as well,” Karanja said.
He described the opening round as a good start but acknowledged that consistency over the remaining two rounds would be crucial.
Simon Njogu and John Lejirma are tied for third on one-under-par 72, one stroke behind the leaders.
Njogu carded four birdies on holes 1, 8, 14 and 16 against bogeys on holes 3, 10 and 18.
Lejirma also had an eventful round, registering seven birdies on holes 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 16 and 18. However, a triple bogey on the seventh hole and additional bogeys on holes 4, 8 and 17 proved costly.
“It was a mixed day for me. I made some good birdies and felt I was playing well, but the triple bogey cost me a few valuable shots,” Lejirma said.
He said he would need to remain patient, minimise mistakes and capitalise on scoring opportunities in the next round.
John Karichu, Samuel Chege and Edwin Mudanyi are tied for fifth on level par, while Kenneth Bolo, Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera, Elvis Muigua and Ganeev Giddie share eighth place.
Sponsored by NCBA Bank, the championship continues on Monday with the second round, after which the top 30 players and ties will qualify for Tuesday’s final round.
The tournament offers players an opportunity to claim the first Sunshine Development Tour title in Nakuru and compete for a share of the Sh2 million prize purse. The winner will take home Sh400,000.
Beyond the prize money, players are also seeking valuable Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points as they look to strengthen their positions and secure opportunities to progress to the main Sunshine Tour.
The championship also offers Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points for professionals and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points for eligible amateurs.
