The Sunshine Development Tour’s East Africa Swing reaches a boiling point as the Absa Invitational arrives at Karen Country Club from 19–21 January 2026, the final regular leg of the 2025/2026 season.
Expect drama, precision golf and high stakes as 113 competitors tee off for glory, ranking points and a shot at the continental playoffs.
A diverse field poised for battle
Karen assembles a vibrant field of 113 players from 11 countries, blending experience and youth in a showcase of regional talent.
The entry list features 71 professionals (including 3 female pros), 37 elite amateurs, and a Tour-record 8 juniors, underscoring the Tour’s commitment to inclusivity and development.
Kenya leads the charge with 86 players, spearheaded by Order of Merit leader Njoroge Kibugu and top pros Dismas Indiza, John Lejirma, Greg Snow, CJ Wangai, David Wakhu, Samuel Njoroge and Mutahi Kibugu.
Uganda sends nine contenders, led by Willy Deus, fresh off his Thika Greens triumph.
Rwanda’s five-strong contingent is anchored by Celestin Nsanzuwera, currently second on the Order of Merit.
Additional representation comes from Tanzania (5), Nigeria (3), Zimbabwe (3) and single players from Burundi, Ghana, Senegal, Malawi and India.
Women, juniors and mixed competition
The Karen event blends genders and generations in a competitive mixed field. Leading the women’s charge is Sunshine Ladies Tour card holder Naomi Wafula, joined by Joyce Wanjiru, Kellie Gachaga, Margaret Njoki and Angel Eaton of Tanzania.
The record number of juniors adds an unpredictable, electrifying element to the leaderboard.
Order of merit tension and key contenders
The Order of Merit race is razor-close as players arrive in Karen. Njoroge Kibugu tops the standings with 1,287 points from nine starts, with Celestin Nsanzuwera breathing down his neck on 1,144 points. Dismas Indiza (723) and John Lejirma (576) round out the immediate challengers, while Greg Snow, CJ Wangai, David Wakhu and Samuel Njoroge Chege remain in striking distance as valuable points remain on offer.
What’s at stake and the road ahead
Karen is more than a standalone event — it’s a gateway. Players are chasing Sunshine Development Tour points, Official World Golf Ranking points, and coveted spots among the top 30 who will advance to the continental playoffs in South Africa.
The East Africa Swing’s best will then face the top 30 from South Africa’s Big Easy Tour at the Africa Championship, with places in the final Sunshine Tour Qualifying events and full Sunshine Tour cards on the line.
Momentum from Thika Greens and pro-am highlights
The build-up at Thika Greens set the tone for Karen. The Absa Invitational Pro-Am saw Siphra Nyongesa claim overall honours with 46 points, while Munge Karoki topped the men’s category and Rachel Ndei led the ladies.
Greg Snow captained the winning professional team, with squads led by Willy Deus and Samba Niang finishing second and third.
Tournament director perspective
Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing Tournament Director David Kihara summed up the mood: “We are heading into Karen with a very strong and diverse field and everything to play for.
Karen Country Club will test every part of a player’s game, and we expect a very tight contest.” The stage is set for a dramatic finish.
Prize purse and path to the Magical Kenya Open
The Absa Invitational at Karen Country Club carries a KSh 2 million prize purse, plus Official World Golf Ranking points and Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points that count toward qualification for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open. With so much at stake, Karen promises three days of high drama, clutch shots and career-defining moments.
