NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 21 — In a finish that felt scripted for the highlight reel, Windsor Golf & Country Club’s Njoroge Kibugu stormed to glory at the Absa Invitational Series at Karen Country Club, sealing the inaugural Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing Order of Merit with a masterclass of calm and precision.
Starting the final round level with Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera at 8-under, Kibugu produced a composed, ruthless display when it mattered most. He carded a scintillating 6-under 64, peppered with seven birdies and only one blemish, to close the tournament on 14-under 196 and lift both the event trophy and the season crown.
Kibugu’s charge featured birdies on holes 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 18, the kind of late-round fireworks that turn contenders into champions. The win also cemented his dominance across the swing: four tournament victories and a haul of 1,497 Order of Merit points, plus a Ksh 400,000 prize from the Ksh 2 million purse.
“This one means a lot to me,” Kibugu said after his triumph. “Coming into the season finale, I wasn’t feeling my best after the holiday break, but I trusted my game and focused on giving myself chances. I putted well and stayed patient, and that made the difference. Winning the Order of Merit feels like a real statement and a reward for the work I’ve put in. It gives me confidence and motivation for what lies ahead.”
Nsanzuwera’s Grit Secures Runner-Up Spot
Nsanzuwera, chasing a third title on the tour, fought valiantly and finished second on 9-under 201. He opened with birdies on the 1st and 2nd, stumbled with dropped shots on 4, 5 and 15, but rallied with late birdies on 17 and 18 to sign off with a 1-under final round. His runner-up finish earned him 1,317 Order of Merit points and a season to be proud of.
“I started well, but mistakes on holes four and five cost me momentum,” Nsanzuwera reflected. “I stayed focused and tried to play my game, but a few missed chances made the difference. Finishing second on the Order of Merit is still a strong result, and I’m proud of the season I’ve had.”
Rising Stars and Standout Rounds
The tournament also showcased emerging talent. Taimur Malik was the leading amateur at Karen, firing a superb 5-under 65 in the final round to finish third at 8-under 202. Malik credited a strong finish to improved ball-striking and seizing opportunities when they came.
Veteran performers rounded out the leaderboard: Mutahi Kibugu finished fourth on 4-under 206, while Isaiah Otuke claimed fifth on 3-under 205. Zimbabwe’s Visitor Mapwanya produced the tournament’s lowest single round — a breathtaking 7-under on the final day — to finish tied on 2-under 208 alongside Greg Snow and Mike Kisia.
Final Order of Merit and What Comes Next
When the dust settled on the East Africa Swing, the final Order of Merit standings reflected a season of fierce competition. Dismas Indiza finished third with 753 points, amateur John Lejirma was fourth with 605 points, and Greg Snow rounded out the top five with 578 points.
The inaugural Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing has established a clear pathway for professionals and elite amateurs across the region, and the top performers now move on to continental playoff opportunities and Sunshine Tour qualification events.
All eyes now shift to South Africa, where the Big Easy Tour Playoff will be staged at Modderfontein Golf Club from January 27–29, 2026. The stakes are high: the top 12 players on the combined East Africa Swing and Big Easy Tour Order of Merit will earn direct Sunshine Tour playing cards. Later, the top 30 from each circuit will contest the Big Easy Tour Finals in March 2026, where 12 more slots will be available to advance to the Sunshine Tour Final Qualifying School.
Kibugu’s victory at Karen was more than a tournament win — it was a statement that East African golf is ready to produce champions who can compete on the continental stage and beyond.
