Overview:
A total of 75 players from across Africa and beyond competed, for a share of Ksh 2 million (about Ug.Shs 55,600,00) prize money kitty. The tournament is a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open on the DP World Tour.
Development Tour – East Africa Swing (Thika Leg)
- Winner: Willy Deus Kitata (Uganda) – 68, 68, 72 (208)
Willy Deus Kitata won his first ever Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing championship with a clinical 5-under par 208 in three rounds.
The former Uganda amateur open champion, playing the tournament for the second time returned 68, 68 and 72 to edge the hard fighting Kenyan ace David Wakhu at Thika on Friday, 16th January 2026.
It feels really good to be the champion. A win is always a win, and it feels great when you finish the job, especially knowing how much work goes into putting yourself in that position. When I give myself the chance and close it out, it is always a great feeling. Today was tough. The wind was strong and the course was set up to be very challenging. I also had a bit of bad luck with a few bounces that put me in spots I shouldn’t have been in, so it wasn’t easy out there. I have worked a lot on my mental game this year. Last year, I don’t think I would have handled moments like this the same way. I have been working closely with my coaches, focusing on staying calm, taking a deep breath, and doing what I needed to do at the moment. To come to Kenya and get my first professional victory here is very special. It’s an amazing feeling and one I will always remember.
Willy Deus Kitata, Uganda Professional Golfer
Kitata earned Kshs 400,000 (at least Ug.Shs 11M) for the hard toiled sweat and effort.
Njoroge Kibugu and Wakhu finished joint second with four under par 209.
Kitata had a torrid final round with bogies on holes 2, 6, 15 and 18; birdies on holes 4, 7 and 12 with pars on the rest.
Wakhu and Njoroge each earned won Ksh 179,350 (about Ug.Shs 5M).
Muthaiga Golf Club’s Greg Snow and Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo finished third on three under par 210 for Ksh 94,800 (about Ug.Shs 2.6M) apiece.
A total of 75 players from across Africa and beyond competed, for a share of Ksh 2 million (about Ug.Shs 55,600,00) prize money kitty.
The tournament is a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open on the DP World Tour.
Focus switches to Karen Country Club next week.
(Additional notes by Kenya Golf Guide)
