Lejirmah Triumphs at Royal Nairobi

In a thrilling conclusion to the Johnnie Walker Classic on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, amateur golfer John Lejirmah emerged victorious after a sudden-death playoff against Njoroge Kibugu at the par-72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club. Lejirmah, a Royal Nairobi Golf Club player, secured the title in front of a home crowd, marking a significant win in the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.

Lejirmah, who started the final round with a four-shot lead over Kibugu of Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club, saw his advantage diminish as Kibugu mounted a strong comeback. Despite a bogey on the 11th hole, Lejirmah maintained his composure to finish the regulation play tied with Kibugu at 10-under-par. The playoff on the par-4 18th hole saw Lejirmah card a par, while Kibugu faltered with a bogey, handing Lejirmah the emotional victory.

Tournament Context and Lejirmah's Journey

The Johnnie Walker Classic, which ran from Monday, October 13, to Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, is the sixth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing. This tour is designed to promote professional and elite amateur golf in the region, offering world ranking points and a share of a KES 2 million prize purse. Lejirmah, as an amateur, received KES 130,000 for his performance along with 210 Order of Merit points on the Tour.

Lejirmah's victory at the Johnnie Walker Classic follows his recent win at the Nyanza Open, a Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series event. He has been a consistent performer in the KAGC series, securing six victories in nine events played so far in 2025, extending his lead in the KAGC Order of Merit. Known as “Samburu One,” Lejirmah was also named the country's best amateur golfer in 2022 by the Kenya Golf Union.

Historical and Policy Context of Golf in Kenya

Kenya boasts a rich golfing tradition, with events like the Tannahill Shield Easter Golf Tournament, which is set to celebrate its 100th edition in April 2025 at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club. The Kenya Golf Union (KGU), formed in 1928, is the country's oldest continuous sports body and is affiliated with the Ministry of Sports & Culture, the Royal & Ancient, and the International Golf Federation. The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, launched in April 2025, aims to provide a platform for African golfers to earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Data

An emotional Lejirmah reflected on his victory, stating, “It's been a long journey. The first leg slipped away from me, and in another event, I narrowly lost in a playoff. I didn't throw in the towel. I went back to the drawing board, did what needed to be done, and here I am.” He added, “Coming into this week, I knew I had an advantage playing at home. I kept telling myself I needed to stay patient, focused, and finish strong.”

Njoroge Kibugu, who finished second, delivered a superb final round of 6-under-par 66 to force the playoff. He earned KES 214,000 from the prize purse and 172 Order of Merit points. Finishing tied for third were Gaita Tadeo Rodell of Uganda and Kenya's Dismas Indiza, both closing at 3-under-par 213, each earning KES 123,000.

Evidence/Data Box

• Tournament: Johnnie Walker Classic, 6th leg of Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.
• Dates: Monday, October 13, to Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
• Venue: Royal Nairobi Golf Club (par-72).
• Prize Purse: KES 2 million (winner receives KES 400,000, though amateur Lejirmah took KES 130,000).
• Winner: John Lejirmah (Kenya), with a three-round total of 10-under-par 213 after a playoff.
• Runner-up: Njoroge Kibugu (Kenya), also 10-under-par 213 after regulation play.
• Sponsors: Johnnie Walker, with Vivo Energy Kenya, Pure Travel, and Magical Kenya as leg sponsors.

What to Watch

Lejirmah's continued dominance in amateur golf positions him as a strong contender for future professional tours. His performance will be closely watched as he aims to maintain his lead in the KAGC Order of Merit and potentially transition to the professional ranks. The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing continues to provide a crucial platform for regional talent.