Muthaiga Golf Club professional Greg Snow fired an impressive six-under-par 66 to seize the early lead after the opening round of the Betika Masters at Limuru Country Club.
The tournament, which marks the eighth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, teed off on Sunday morning under soft course conditions following recent rains.
Snow’s steady performance featured birdies on holes 3, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14, with his only blemish coming at the par-4 7th.
“It was a solid round,” Snow said. “I kept the ball in play, gave myself good chances, and putted well. The course is soft, so approach shots have to be sharp. My plan is to stay patient and keep the rhythm heading into the next round.”
Close behind him are elite amateur Michael Karanga and veteran Dismas Indiza, both carding five-under-par 67s to tie for second.
Karanga, who had one of the best morning rounds, picked up birdies on six holes, offset by a single bogey on the 7th.
“I started well and hit good putts despite the wet conditions,” said Karanga. “Tomorrow, I’ll focus on improving my putting, especially on the front nine.”
Indiza, representing Kakamega Sports Club, kept the pressure on with birdies on holes 3, 5, 6, 9, 17 and 18, dropping only one shot at the 16th.
A trio of players — John Wangai (Sigona), Celestin Nsanzuwera (Rwanda), and John Karichu (Limuru) — finished the day tied at three-under-par 69.
The Betika Masters has drawn 88 players from across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, India, and the United States, all vying for a share of the KSh 2 million prize purse.
In addition to cash rewards, competitors are earning Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), and Safari Tour Order of Merit points — key for qualification to the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.
Round Two continues today Monday, after which the top 30 players and ties will advance to Tuesday’s final round.
