Mixed reactions as Kenyan golf pros welcome Sunshine Tour

Kibugu predicted that the Q-School qualifying contest starting this weekend will be cutthroat, warning players to brace themselves for a very tough battle on the Windsor course.

“Those who will keep the ball in play will have the chance to punch tickets to the East African Swing series,” he stated.

“Personally, I will take part in the Tour, and my ultimate goal in the long term is to win the Order of Merit. My short-term goal is to secure the Sunshine Tour card,” he added.

Vipingo-based lady golfer, Jacqueline Walters, has welcomed the Tour wholeheartedly, saying this is an exciting opportunity for East African golfers to compete, grow and expand.

“The series will help us to gain recognition internationally, thanks to the world ranking points it is offering,” she reiterated.

Walters stated that the idea of a Q-School qualifier is a fair way to select the players for the Tour. She also feels that removing the dreaded Day 2 cutline in the series will ease pressure and give golfers more playing time in the championship.

“I am excited to confirm that I will be participating in the Tour. This is a fantastic opportunity to return to competitive golf, especially considering that I haven’t played competitively since 2024 during the Ladies European Tour (LET) in Vipingo.

 “My ultimate target in the Tour is to gain international ranking points, improve my game, and inspire the next generation of golfers in Kenya and beyond. I am eager to give my best on this platform and represent my country with pride,” she added.

Kenyan superman Jacob Okello, the only local player to have ever reached the lofty MKO final (1998), warned Kenyan pros to put in the work, saying the Tour will not be a walk in the park.

“Our players have a very complicated mentality, which needs to be reversed. They should work on their mindsets to conquer the series. Like now, heading into the Q-School contest from Sunday, you will be quite shocked to hear what their game plan is,” Okello said.

Greg Snow of Muthaiga said the Tour is what they have been waiting for all this year to happen.

“Personally, I’m so excited and thrilled. I’ll take part in it. Currently, my game is on point, so I’m looking forward to qualifying for the next stage,” Snow highlighted.

Sigona golfer Mohit Mediratta termed the Tour a complete game changer for the East African region.

“We have been waiting for a very sustainable golf tour with world ranking points, and here it is, just right in front of us. This is definitely a path for us to qualify for the Big Easy Tour, the Sunshine Tour, the Challenge Tour, the European Tour and the ultimate PGA Tour,” Mediratta underlined.

Mediratta said the tournament should be run smoothly, properly, professionally and in accordance with international standards.

“This is the time for Kenya to grow up, mature up, and understand that there is a world outside the country. We have to step out of our comfort zones and let our talents, hard work and good, good golf speak for itself,’ he said.

Simon Ngige of Kiambu Golf Club hailed the Tour, saying it’s a footprint that is going to add grip to their showdown in the annual MKO, which he dreams of lifting one day.

“I’m prepared to take part in the Q-School contest, if a pass the test it will be well, if  I fail I will clap for those who have booked berths into the Tour,” said Ngige who added, “ The series could not have come at a better time than this as we (local pros) are getting older and younger players needed to be groomed to take over the mantle from us.”

Jastas Madoya of Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort said the Tour is the best thing to have ever happened to Kenya since the introduction of sliced bread.

“The series has come at an opportune time. Going to South Africa to qualify for the Sunshine Tour and other global tournaments was hectic and too expensive, so the Tour has eased the job now.

“Also, the lucrative prize money on offer in the Tour, up to the Sh 10 million, will make golfers self-reliant instead of bowing down to a last-minute sponsor who comes with Sh100,000 on the eve of the MKO championship, which will not even help you,” Madoya added.

Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) Vice Captain Jeff Kubwa opines that five local pros, in conjunction with the PGK body, should be sponsored to gain direct entry into the Sunshine Tour to sharpen their claws there instead of Kenya engaging in the 15-legged Tour a season.

Several players, including Mediratta and Kibugu, feel the Tour should have the dreaded Day 2 cutline, like they do in global events, so as to put pressure on contestants and align it with the international championship’s standards.

Local players ranking in the 2025 Magical Kenya Open

1. Riz Charania +3
2. Shahswat Harish +4
3. John Lejirma +4
4. Greg Snow +5
5. Edwin Mudanyi +5
6. Njoroge Kibugu +5
7. Dismas Indiza +6
8. Mutahi Kibugu +8
9. Adel Balala +8
10. Erick Ooko +9
11. Simon Njogu +10
12. David Wakhu +10
13. Samuel Njoroge +11
14. Michael Karanga +11
15. Daniel Nduva +14
16. Mohit Mediratta +14
17. William Odek +22
18. Alfred Nandwa DNF