Kenya’s Greg Snow produced a composed 4-under par 68 to take the first-round lead at the Betika Masters, the seventh leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, played at VetLab Sports Club.
Snow, one of the country’s most seasoned professionals, overcame a shaky start after bogeys on the 11th and 12th holes.
He recovered with birdies on the 13th, 15th, and 18th to turn at one under.
The Muthaiga Golf Club pro then added three more birdies on the 1st, 4th, and 9th holes to close two shots clear of the chasing field.
“I started a bit shaky on the 11th and 12th, but I stayed patient and trusted the process. VetLab is in great shape, but it’s tricky, so you have to think your way around. It’s a strong field, and tomorrow I just need to keep the ball in play,” said Snow.
Four players — Njoroge Kibugu, Celestin Nsanzuwera of Rwanda, Grace Kasango of Uganda, and Mutahi Kibugu — were tied for second on 2-under par 70.
Njoroge, a two-time Tour winner, recovered from a double bogey on the 5th hole with four straight birdies and added two more on the back nine.
Nsanzuwera continued his fine form with a round that included five birdies and three bogeys.
Kasango played steady golf with three birdies and a single bogey, while Mutahi Kibugu’s attacking play saw him mix six birdies with four dropped shots.
Amateur standout Michael Karanga carded a 1-under par 71 to sit tied for sixth alongside pros John Wangai and Edwin Mudanyi.
“Playing with top pros gives us great experience. The Tour has helped us raise our game, and I’m happy with my performance today,” said Karanga.
The Betika Masters is part of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, which awards OWGR, WAGR, and Safari Tour ranking points counting toward qualification for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.
Action continues on Monday, with the top 30 players and ties advancing to Tuesday’s final round at VetLab Sports Club.
