The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing has secured a major boost ahead of its Royal Nairobi Golf Club edition, scheduled for October 13–15, 2025.
East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL), through its premium brand Johnnie Walker, has signed on as title sponsor for the sixth leg of the Tour.
The Royal Nairobi leg is expected to draw more than 100 golfers from across Africa and beyond.
The 54-hole event, which will feature a cut for the top 30 and ties after two rounds, carries a prize purse of KSh 2 million.
Beyond the prize money, competitors will also battle for crucial global ranking points, with performances contributing towards progression to higher-tier international tournaments.
The sponsorship comes as the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing cements its place as one of the continent’s most impactful golf platforms.
With both Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking points on offer, it is creating new opportunities for African players to compete at a global level.
Johnnie Walker’s support continues the brand’s long association with golf, having previously backed events such as the Magical Kenya Open, the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, and the Johnnie Walker Golf Series.
Speaking during the announcement, Jean Okech, Head of Marketing Spirits at EABL, highlighted the brand’s alignment with the values of golf:
“Johnnie Walker has always found a natural home in golf because the sport attracts a community that values craft, resilience, and progress – principles that also define our brand. Through this sponsorship, we aim to create meaningful spaces for our consumers while also opening doors for regional golf talent. Importantly, our commitment to inclusion means supporting both men and women golfers, and we hope this partnership will inspire more young players to take up the game.”
On his part, Charles Gacheru, Promoter of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, welcomed the partnership:
“This support from Johnnie Walker is a significant milestone for the Tour and for East African golf. It underscores the confidence a global brand has in our vision to create a pathway for local golfers to reach the Sunshine Tour and even the Olympics. With Johnnie Walker on board, we are building a Tour that is competitive, inclusive, and visible across the continent.”
Since launching with the Q-School in March 2025, the Tour has successfully staged events in Thika, Ruiru, Nyali, and Diani in Kenya, as well as Kigali Golf Resort & Villas in Rwanda.
It has consistently attracted both professionals and elite amateurs, male and female, underscoring its role as a unique development platform for the region’s golfing talent.