By KPC Sports Reporter
The 2026/27 Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing commences this Sunday, April 19, at Thika Sports Club, marking the inaugural event at the venue on the circuit.
The three-day tournament, concluding on April 21, heralds the official commencement of the new season after successful East and West Africa Qualifying Schools took place earlier this month in Limuru and Lagos.
A robust field of 59 players representing eight nations is scheduled to compete, showcasing the Tour’s increasing prominence as a crucial route to the Sunshine Tour and wider international prospects.
The participant list comprises a diverse mix of professionals, elite amateurs, juniors, and top female golfers.
Kenya boasts the largest delegation, spearheaded by Sunshine Tour card holders Greg Snow and Dismas Indiza. Other prominent local competitors include John Karichu, Rizwan Charania, John Kagiri, Sujan Shah, Sammy Mulama, William Odek, and East Africa Q-School champion Ali Wasim. Naomi Wafula and Kellie Gachaga will spearhead Kenya’s women’s representation.
Uganda presents a formidable team featuring Ronald Rugumayo, Abraham Ainamani, Bagalana Hussein, Phillip Kasozi, and Irene Nakalembe.
Rwanda’s contingent consists of Sunshine Tour card holder Celestin Nsanzuwera, accompanied by Aloys Nsabimana and Emile Nshimyumuremyi.
Tanzania’s roster includes Fadhyl Nkya, Nuru Mollel, and elite amateur Madina Hussein, with Malawi’s Kamoza Longwe also participating in the event.
The tournament has drawn additional international competitors, including junior Hetansh Shah from India, Elliot Bradley from the United Kingdom, and Americans Andrew Proctor and Gabriel Cruz.
Sunshine Development Tour Tournament Director David Kihara voiced optimism regarding the opening event, confirming that preparations at Thika Sports Club are finalized.
“We are thrilled to host the Sunshine Development Tour at Thika Sports Club for its first time. The course is in superb condition, and we anticipate a fiercely competitive beginning to the 2026–2027 season,” Kihara stated.
He further emphasized that the recently completed qualifying events demonstrated the abundance of emerging talent across the continent.
“Now the actual season commences. Players are vying not only for titles but also for Order of Merit points, world ranking opportunities, and advancement to the Sunshine Tour. We anticipate exceptional golfing standards this week,” he added.
The new season follows impressive performances at the qualifiers, where Kenya’s Ali Wasim emerged victorious in Limuru and Nigeria’s Francis Epe secured top honors in Lagos, paving the way for an enhanced and competitive second year of the Tour.