Muthaiga Golf Club’s Greg Snow took command of the leaderboard on the first day of the seventh leg of the Sunshine Development Tour (East Africa Swing) at the par-73 Vet Lab Sports Club course on Sunday.
Snow produced a brilliant four-under par 68, to lead the field of 73, in Betika Masters, the seventh leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, a tournament affiliated to the South Africa-based Sunshine Tour which is the main professional Tour in South Africa.
The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing is a pathway for golfers in East Africa to qualify to play in both the Sunshine Tour, and in the Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship.
One of Kenya’s most experienced golfers, Snow displayed his trademark composure and course management throughout the day, despites tumbling with bogeys on the 11th and 12th holes. He made a quick recovery with birdies on the 13th, 15th, and 18th.
On his back nine, Snow eventually found his rhythm, adding birdies on the first, fourth and at the ninth hole to close the round at four-under par 68, two shots clear of a tightly packed field chasing him into Sunday’s second round.
Speaking after his round, Snow said: “I started the tournament a bit shaky on the 11th and 12th holes, but I stayed patient and kept trying. The birdies on the 13th and 15th gave me momentum, and after the turn, I hit the ball really well. Vet Lab course is in great shape, but it’s also tricky, so you have to think your way around. It’s a strong field with a lot of good players, so tomorrow I just need to stick to my plan and keep the ball in play.”
Tied in second place on two-under par 70 was a group of four players - Njoroge Kibugu, Celestin Nsanzuwera of Rwanda, Grace Kasango of Uganda, and Mutahi Kibugu, each showing flashes of brilliance in a competitive opening day.
Njoroge Kibugu follows his tee shot from the 3rd tee on day one of the Johnnie Walker Classic Sunshine Development Tour -- East Africa Swing at Royal Nairobi Golf Club in Nairobi on October 13, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Njoroge Kibugu, a two-time winner on the Tour (Nyali and Thika legs), played a composed round marked by moments of recovery. After starting with four straight pars, he made a double bogey on the fifth but immediately bounced back with four consecutive birdies. On the back nine, he picked up birdies on the 12th and 14th while dropping shots on the 11th and 17th to close at two-under.
Reflecting on his round, Kibugu said: “After the double on five, I just refocused and took it one shot at a time. I gave myself plenty of birdie chances, and I’m happy with how I closed the day. The goal is to stay consistent heading into the next rounds, there’s still a lot of golf to be played.”
Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera continued his impressive form on the Tour with a solid two-under par 70 that included birdies on the fifth, seventh, ninth, 14th, and 18th holes, with dropped shots on the second, fourth, and 16th.
“It was a good round overall. I hit my irons well and made some good putts. I was pleased with how I managed my approach shots. Tomorrow I’ll just try to build on this and stay under par,” he said after his round.
Sunshine Development Tour
Among the amateurs, Michael Karanga was the best-placed after posting a one under par 71, finishing tied sixth alongside professionals John Wangai and Edwin Mudanyi.
Kiambu Golf Club's Michael Karanga playing in the second edition of Malindi OpenVasco Da gama Cup in Kilifi County on August 11, 2023.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
The Betika Masters at Vet Lab Sports Club marks the seventh leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing. The tournament offers Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, as well as Safari Tour ranking points that count toward qualification for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, following the recent Tour Recognition Agreement signed between the SDT and Kenya Open Golf Limited.
The event continues on Monday, with the top 30 players and ties expected to make the cut for the final round on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 with action set to tee off at 8am.
