Lejirmah Dominates Second Round

John Lejirmah, Kenya's leading amateur golfer, shot an impressive six-under-par 66 in the second round of the Johnnie Walker Classic on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to establish a significant lead. His stellar performance at the par-72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club course brings his two-round total to eight-under-par 136. Lejirmah's round included five birdies and an eagle three on the par-five 15th hole, with his only bogey occurring on the 18th hole.

The Royal Nairobi Golf Club player is now four shots ahead of his closest competitor, Njoroge Kibugu of Windsor, who carded his second consecutive two-under-par 70, for a total of four-under-par 140.

Context of the Johnnie Walker Classic

The Johnnie Walker Classic is the sixth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, a series designed to promote professional and elite amateur golf in the region. The tournament, which runs from Monday, October 13, to Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, has attracted 82 top golfers from across Africa. These golfers are competing for world ranking points and a share of a KES 2 million prize purse, with the winner set to take home KES 400,000.

The event features 54 holes, with the top 30 players and ties making the cut after the second round to compete in the final round. Vivo Energy Kenya has joined as a sponsor for this leg of the tour.

Lejirmah's Recent Form and Aspirations

Lejirmah's strong showing at the Johnnie Walker Classic follows his recent victory in the Nyanza Open, a Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series event. He has been a consistent performer in the KAGC series, having secured six victories in nine events played so far in 2025, extending his lead in the KAGC Order of Merit. Known as “Samburu One,” Lejirmah has previously won the Goldfields Trophy and the Ronald Marshall Trophy.

Speaking after his impressive second round, Lejirmah expressed gratitude for his solid performance and his determination to win the Johnnie Walker Classic. He acknowledged the pressure heading into the final round but affirmed his commitment to his game plan.

Historical and Policy Context of Golf in Kenya

The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing aims to provide a pathway for both professional and elite amateur golfers to earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points. This initiative helps them transition to higher-tier tours such as the South Africa-based Sunshine Tour and eventually the global stage. The tour was launched in April 2025 at the Great Rift Golf Resort in Naivasha and has since held successful events in Thika Greens, Ruiru, Nyali, Diani, and Kigali.

Kenya has a rich golfing tradition, with events like the Tannahill Shield Easter Golf Tournament, which will celebrate its 100th edition in April 2025 at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club. The Kenya Golf Union also organises events like the Victoria Cup, an annual competition between Kenya and Uganda, which Kenya won in 2023.

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).
• **Current Leader:** John Lejirmah (Kenya) with a two-round total of eight-under-par 136.
• **Closest Challenger:** Njoroge Kibugu (Kenya) with a two-round total of four-under-par 140.
• **Sponsor:** Johnnie Walker, with Vivo Energy Kenya as a leg sponsor.

What to Watch

The final round on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, will determine if John Lejirmah can maintain his lead and secure the Johnnie Walker Classic title. His performance will be closely watched as he continues to establish himself as a dominant force in Kenyan amateur golf and aims for a transition to professional tours. The competition for world ranking points among the diverse field of African golfers also remains a key aspect to follow.