Sunshine Invitational Tour heads to Karen for climactic finale

The Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing reaches its climax as the Absa Invitational tees off at Karen Country Club from Monday, 19 January, to Wednesday, 21 January 2026.

A strong field of 113 players from 11 countries—including 71 professionals, 37 elite amateurs, and 8 juniors—will battle it out for top honours.

Kenya leads the charge with 86 players, led by Order of Merit leader Njoroge Kibugu and top pros Dismas Indiza, John Lejirma, Greg Snow, and CJ Wangai.

Uganda’s Willy Deus, leading a team of nine players, arrives in Karen fresh from a win at Thika Greens, while Rwanda, with five players, is led by Celestin Nsanzuwera who sits second on the Order of Merit, keeping the season-long title race hotly contested.

The international field also includes 5 players from Tanzania, three from Nigeria, three from Zimbabwe, and single representatives from Burundi, Ghana, Senegal, Malawi and India, further underlining the Tour’s expanding regional and international reach.

The tournament also features a competitive women’s field, led by Sunshine Ladies Tour card holder Naom Wafula, alongside Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club, Kellie Gachaga, Margaret Njoki and Angel Eaton of Tanzania, competing within the mixed field.

The Karen leg carries Ksh. 2 million in prize money, Sunshine Development Tour points, and Official World Golf Ranking points.

It is the final stage before the Africa Championship, where the top 30 players from East Africa will face South Africa’s Big Easy Tour stars, with Sunshine Tour cards at stake.

Tournament Director David Kihara says the stage is set for a competitive finish.

“Karen will test every part of a player’s game. We have a strong, diverse field and everything to play for,” Kihara said.