The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing is set to continue at the VetLab Sports Club from November 3–5, 2025, with top golfers from across the continent expected to battle for a KSh 2 million prize purse and crucial world ranking points.
The next stop follows the successful Johnnie Walker Classic held this week at Royal Nairobi Golf Club, where Kenya’s top amateur, John Lejirma, produced a clutch playoff victory over professional Njoroge Kibugu to claim his first-ever Tour title.
The Royal Nairobi golfer had narrowly missed out on a win at Ruiru Sports Club, losing in another playoff to veteran Dismas Indiza.
Lejirma began the final round with a four-stroke advantage, but Kibugu’s spectacular six-under-par 66 forced a playoff.
Lejirma held his composure to seal victory on the first sudden-death hole, finishing on 10-under-par.
As an amateur, Lejirma pocketed KSh 130,000 and earned 210 Order of Merit points, while Kibugu received KSh 214,000 and 172 points.
Uganda’s Tadeo Rodell Gaita and Kenya’s Dismas Indiza shared third place on 3-under-par, each earning KSh 123,000 and 99 points.
Tour Commissioner Charles Gacheru praised the event’s success and highlighted the continued growth of the regional circuit.
“As we close this chapter at Royal, our eyes are now on VetLab. Each event is proving that the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing is more than a series; it’s a movement shaping the future of African golf,” said Gacheru.
“We’re witnessing stronger fields, heightened competition, and greater regional collaboration. The Tour has become a true pathway for golfers to earn world ranking points and qualify for higher-level tours such as the Sunshine Tour — even the Olympic Games.”
The Johnnie Walker Classic was sponsored by East African Breweries PLC (EABL) through its flagship brand Johnnie Walker, reinforcing its long-standing support for the growth of golf in the region.
Duncan Onuonga, Johnnie Walker’s Senior Shopper Manager, said the partnership reflects the brand’s vision of advancing golf across East Africa.
“The Sunshine Development Tour is redefining golf on the continent. At Johnnie Walker, we’re proud to support a platform that connects talent, nurtures champions, and positions African golf on the global map,” he said.
“Our journey with the game — from the Magical Kenya Open and Magical Kenya Ladies Open to our Johnnie Walker Golf Series — shows our commitment to progress and excellence. This partnership continues that legacy by giving players the opportunity to earn global recognition and compete at the highest levels.”
