Nakuru Golf Club will host the Sunshine Development Tour (SDT) for the first time when the Rift Valley Championship tees off from 25th to 27th October, bringing together a strong field of professionals and elite amateurs from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda.
The three-day tournament, features Pro-Am on Saturday, 24 October, before the Sunshine Development Tour’s professional competition tees off on Sunday.
The Pro-Am will offer participating Nakuru golfers an opportunity to play alongside established pros, and also secure their places at the season-ending finale which will be held at Karen Country Club next month, while the Rift Valley Championship will provide a platform for professionals and elite amateurs to compete for the inaugural Nakuru title.
The Rift Valley Championship has attracted a strong field featuring established Kenyan golfers alongside players representing Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda, underlining the East Africa Swing’s role in bringing together talent from across the region.
Kenya’s contingent will be spearheaded by, among others, Njoroge Kibugu, his brother Mutahi Kibugu, Greg Snow of Muthaiga Golf Club, John Lejirma of Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Kiambu’s Michael Karanga, Taimur Malik, and Mohit Mediratta.
The Kenyan field also features elite amateurs including Wasim Ali, Adel Balala, Kellie Gachaga, Mikael Kihara, Edward Manywanda, John Mbagi, Elvis Muligua, Frank Munyuah, Kenneth Muraya and Telvin Thuku.
Nigeria will be represented by rising star Godwin Okoko, while Rwanda’s entry includes current Order of Merit leader Celestin Nsanzuwera. Uganda will have two representatives in Hussein Babalana and Phillip Kasozi.
Sunshine Development Tour Chief Executive David Ndungu said the Rift Valley Championship was an important part of the East Africa Swing, providing players with a competitive platform and extending the tour’s reach across the region.