Windsor player Njoroge Kibugu was the best placed Kenyan at the just concluded Sunshine Tour Final Qualifying School held at the par-71 Heron Banks Golf & River Resort, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The 21-year-old was the only Kenyan and East African who made the cut in the cutthroat contest that saw 20 players across Africa punch precious tickets to the prestigious Sunshine Tour series out of the 129 participants.

Even though he did not book a berth into the main Tour circuit, Kibugu said the championship left him with lots of experience that will take his game to the next level.

“The Final Q-School was incredible. It was both challenging and rewarding, it provided a great platform to test my game against a high level of competition. The atmosphere was professional, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete and grow,” Kibugu told Standard Sports.

“One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of staying mentally composed under pressure. I also realised the value of course management and how every shot truly counts at this level. These lessons will definitely shape how I prepare and approach future tournaments,” he added. 

Kibugu finished as the best placed Kenyan, in a tie for 40th and with a level-par 284 score having played rounds of 68, 75, 71 and 70, respectively.

He was one of three Kenyans to return scores of under par after the first round, alongside Kakamega’s Golf Club’s Dismas Indiza (-2) and Muthaiga Golf Club’s Greg Snow (-1). 

Indiza, who was within the cut line through 14 holes in the third round, finished as the next best placed Kenyan after Kibugu, in T65, with a score of 3-over par, 216 after rounds of 69, 73 and 74, ahead of the EA Swing Q-School winner Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera, at T81, on a score of 6-over par, 219,  after rounds of 75,70 and 74.  

Speaking on his experience, Nsanzuwera said: “Competing against top players from across the region really pushed me to elevate my game. The conditions were tough, but it was a great opportunity to test myself under pressure and gain exposure at a high level.” 

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from Q School is that as a golfer, one needs to be mentally alert in all the rounds. It’s also crucial for a player to manage their emotions and stay focused, especially when things aren’t going perfectly. I’ve also learned how vital preparation and course management are at this level.”

Speaking on his experience at the Heron Banks Golf & River Resort, Karen Country Club’s Edwin Mudanyi said: “It was a great experience, an eye opener that I still can get out here and compete through the pathway. I have learned patience and commitment to my work ethics, the final Q School was a true test through the suspensions of rounds as a result of weather changes.”

Kenya Railway Golf Club’s Mike Kisia noted of his experience down south: “It was a good feeling competing with the top players from South Africa, I learned that these guys don’t make a lot of mistakes like I do, they know when to attack the pin and when not to, I also learned to always be patient on the course.”

Kisia finished at T87, on a gross score of 7-over par, 220. Other qualifiers from the EA Swing finished as follows; Jastas Madoya and Greg Snow (T95), John Lejirma (T106), Samuel Njoroge (T109) and Edwin Mudanyi (T116).     

Action at the Sunshine Tour Qualifying School final stage faced several stoppages due to the prevailing rains, with a good number of the 129 golfers having to play their rounds across two days, which saw the tournament stretch into Friday evening for the final round.  

Attention now shifts to the East Africa Swing Tour events, with the calendar set to be announced in due course.   

On his expectations at the East Africa Swing, Kibugu said: “Going into the EA Series, I’m feeling focused and motivated. You can expect a more refined and confident performance from me. I’ve taken the lessons from Q School to heart, and I’m ready to build on that momentum.” 

On his part, Nsanzuwera said: “Going into the EA Swing, you can expect a more mature and focused player. I’ve taken what I learned at Q School and put it into my training, so I’m coming in with more experience, hunger, and confidence. I look forward to giving it my all and putting myself in contention. And win as many as possible.” 

The East Africa Swing tour will be a 10-15 event tournament bringing together elite amateurs, professional golfers, men, women and juniors from Kenya and the East African region, offering a pathway to South Africa’s Sunshine and Big Easy tours.