Nakuru Golf Club will host the Sunshine Development Tour (SDT) for the first time when the Rift Valley Championship tees off from Sunday, 25 to Tuesday, 27 October, bringing together professional golfers and elite amateurs from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsSponsored by NCBA Bank, the three-day championship forms part of the tour’s East Africa Swing and will be preceded by an NCBA Golf Series qualifier played in a Pro-Am format on Saturday, 24 October.The Pro-Am will give Nakuru golfers an opportunity to compete alongside established professionals while also battling for places at the NCBA Golf Series season-ending finale, scheduled for next month at Karen Country Club. ##NAJAVA_MECA_10047235##The main championship will then provide professionals and elite amateurs with a platform to compete for the inaugural Rift Valley Championship title.Kenya will field a strong contingent led by brothers Njoroge and Mutahi Kibugu, Greg Snow of Muthaiga Golf Club, John Lejirma of Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Michael Karanga of Kiambu Golf Club, Taimur Malik and Mohit Mediratta.The local lineup will also feature elite amateurs Wasim Ali, Adel Balala, Kellie Gachaga, Mikael Kihara, Edward Manywanda, John Mbagi, Elvis Muligua, Frank Munyuah, Kenneth Muraya and Telvin Thuku.EXCLUSIVE: Invincible league-winning Gor Mahia coach eyes Harambee Starlets jobNigeria will be represented by rising star Godwin Okoko, while Rwanda will send current Order of Merit leader Celestin Nsanzuwera. Uganda’s challenge will be led by Hussein Babalana and Phillip Kasozi.NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the bank’s continued investment in golf reflects its commitment to developing talent and expanding competitive opportunities across the region.“Through the NCBA Golf Series, we continue to provide golfers with opportunities to compete and develop their game. The Nakuru event offers another opportunity for golfers to test themselves, and this time they will have the opportunity to do so alongside established professionals. Abiy: Kenya and Ethiopia must turn athletics rivalry into economic partnershipAt the same time, our partnership with the Sunshine Development Tour will bring an exciting level of professional competition to the club, and especially this being the first time the tour will be making a stop at the club. We look forward to a great weekend of golf in Nakuru,” said Gachora.Sunshine Development Tour Chief Executive David Ndungu said the championship would strengthen the East Africa Swing by introducing the tour to a new venue and bringing together players from across the region.“After the Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic in Lagos, Nigeria, we are pleased to bring the East Africa Swing to Nakuru for the first time. The Rift Valley Championship allows us to extend the tour to a new venue and bring together professionals and elite amateurs from across the region. Early coaching change and five key lessons from FKFPL Round 2With the NCBA Golf Series taking place ahead of the main tournament, it promises to be an exciting weekend for both competitive and club golf, and we look forward to an exciting weekend of golf,” said Ndungu.The weekend’s action begins with the NCBA Golf Series Pro-Am on Saturday, 24 October, before the Rift Valley Championship gets underway on Sunday, 25 October. The tournament will conclude on Tuesday, 27 October.
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