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Amateur golfer John Lejirma's recent victory against seasoned professionals signals a significant shift in Kenya's golf landscape, highlighting the rising talent within the amateur ranks and intensifying competition in national series.
Nairobi, Kenya – The competitive spirit of Kenyan golf is ablaze following amateur John Lejirma's remarkable win at the sixth leg of the Johnnie Walker Classic, part of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing. Lejirma, representing Royal Nairobi Golf Club, triumphed over professional Njoroge Kibugu in a sudden-death playoff at the par-72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for amateur golf in the country.
Lejirma's victory, achieved with a three-round total of 10-under-par 213, underscores the increasing prowess of Kenyan amateur golfers who are consistently challenging and often outperforming their professional counterparts. While Lejirma, as an amateur, received KES 130,000 and 210 Order of Merit points, runner-up Kibugu, a professional, took home KES 214,000 and 172 points. This performance follows Lejirma's earlier success at the Nyanza Open, a Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series event, and a previous sudden-death playoff against veteran professional Dismas Indiza at the Ruiru Sports Club during the second leg of the Tour.
Golf has a rich history in Kenya, with the Kenya Golf Union (KGU), established in 1928, being the country's oldest continuous sports body. The KGU is affiliated with the Ministry of Sports & Culture, the Royal & Ancient, and the International Golf Federation, playing a crucial role in the development and promotion of golf in Kenya. The Magical Kenya Open, founded in 1967, stands as Kenya's premier professional golf tournament, having been elevated to the elite European Tour schedule in 2019.
The Ministry of Sports & Culture, in conjunction with bodies like the KGU and the Junior Golf Foundation, plays a vital role in shaping golf policy and governance. Partnerships, such as the one between NCBA and the Kenya Golf Union and Junior Golf Foundation, valued at over KES 18 million, aim to foster talent development and elevate golf events across the country. These collaborations are essential for creating structured pathways for amateur golfers to advance, including opportunities for global exposure and official ranking points.
The golf community in Kenya comprises a diverse range of stakeholders, including amateur and professional golfers, golf clubs, corporate sponsors, and governing bodies. John Lejirma's win has resonated deeply, particularly within the amateur circuit, inspiring many aspiring golfers. His ability to compete at such a high level against professionals like Njoroge Kibugu and Dismas Indiza highlights the depth of talent emerging from local clubs. The support from home club members, as witnessed during Lejirma's final round at Royal Nairobi, further underscores the strong community engagement in Kenyan golf.
The increasing competitiveness between amateurs and professionals presents both opportunities and challenges. For amateurs, it offers invaluable experience and a clear benchmark for their development. However, the disparity in prize money for amateurs versus professionals, even when an amateur wins, remains a point of discussion. While amateurs gain recognition and ranking points, the financial incentives for professionals are significantly higher, which could influence career decisions for talented golfers.
The golf series continues with the seventh leg at the Vet Lab Sports Club in Kabete, where golfers will compete for another KES 2 million prize money. Upcoming events include the 105th NCBA Coast Open – Barry Cup at Mombasa Golf Club from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, 2025, and the NCBA Kenya Invitational at Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club from December 20-22, 2025. The Magical Kenya Open 2025 was held from February 20-23, 2025, at Muthaiga Golf Club.
The ongoing golf season promises more thrilling contests as amateur golfers continue to push the boundaries against their professional counterparts. The performance of top amateurs like John Lejirma and Michael Karanga will be closely watched, particularly as they aim to qualify for prestigious events like the Magical Kenya Open. The development of junior golf programs and the impact of corporate sponsorships on nurturing talent will also be key areas of focus for the future of Kenyan golf.
