NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenyan professional golfers John Wangai and Njoroge Kibugu are set for a final-round duel after finishing the second day of the Betika Masters tied for the lead at 7-under-par 137. The seventh leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, held at the VetLab Sports Club, will conclude on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with the two golfers vying for the winner's share of a KSh 2 million prize fund.

The tournament is a pivotal event for local and regional professionals, offering not only significant prize money but also valuable Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. These points are essential for players aspiring to qualify for higher-tier international competitions, such as the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.

Wangai's Record-Breaking Round

John Wangai, a seasoned professional from Sigona Golf Club and chairman of the Professional Golfers of Kenya, delivered a masterful performance on Monday. He shot a 6-under-par 66, the lowest round of the tournament so far, to surge up the leaderboard. His round was highlighted by a remarkable string of four consecutive birdies from the 12th to the 15th holes. Despite dropping a shot on the 16th, he recovered with another birdie on the 18th. Wangai continued his momentum on the front nine with birdies on the 1st and 2nd holes, ultimately securing his place at the top.

"Today I hit the ball well off the tee, and my putting was very good," Wangai stated after his round on Monday, November 3, 2025. "I have been on the lead where there is pressure many times before so I will just keep myself calm and enjoy the round tomorrow."

Kibugu's Consistent Challenge

Sharing the lead is Njoroge Kibugu, one of Kenya's most promising young talents. The Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club player carded a solid 4-under-par 68 to maintain his position at the top. A victory would mark his third title on the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, a significant achievement for the young professional who burst onto the scene as an amateur at the 2022 Magical Kenya Open.

Kibugu has already secured one victory on the tour in June 2025 at Thika Greens and another in August 2025 at Nyali Golf & Country Club, demonstrating his capability to perform under pressure. His consistent play places him in a strong position to challenge for another title.

The Stakes for Kenyan Golf

The Betika Masters, sponsored by gaming firm Betika with a KSh 5 million injection for two back-to-back events, represents a significant development for professional golf in East Africa. The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing provides a structured pathway for local and regional players to gain competitive experience and earn world ranking points without the prohibitive cost of travelling abroad. The tour, which will feature around 15 events across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, is designed to elevate the standard of professional golf in the region.

The final round at the challenging VetLab Sports Club course, which was founded in 1922, promises a thrilling conclusion. With both the veteran experience of Wangai and the youthful ambition of Kibugu in contention, the battle for the Betika Masters title highlights the growing depth of talent in Kenyan golf. The event will conclude on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with the top 30 players who made the cut competing for the title.