Betika has announced a Sh5 million sponsorship for the Sunshine Development Tour’s East Africa Swing, which will now feature a doubleheader next month. The support will fund two consecutive tournaments, known as the Betika Masters, scheduled to take place at the Vetlab Sports Club from November 2nd to 4th, 2025, and at Limuru Country Club from November 9th to 11th, 2025.

Both tournaments are expected to attract at least 100 golfers from East Africa and beyond. Each event will consist of 54 holes, with a cut after the second round for the top 30 players and ties. Participants will compete for a share of a Sh2 million prize purse at each event and will also earn crucial global ranking points on the Sunshine Development Tour, which can lead to larger international tournaments.

During the sponsorship presentation in Nairobi, Betika’s Head of Brand, Eric Mwiti, expressed pride in supporting the Sunshine Development Tour. He emphasized their commitment to inclusive sports development. Previously, Betika has focused on supporting individual players like John Lejirma and Michael Karanga.

“Seeing their progress and its impact on their world rankings encouraged us to support the entire pathway,” Mwiti said. “We believe in unlocking potential at all levels and creating a legacy of opportunity and excellence.”

The Sunshine Development Tour provides a structured platform for professionals and elite amateurs to earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, along with Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points.

This can lead to qualification opportunities for higher-tier tours, such as the Sunshine Tour and Big Easy Tour in South Africa. IMG Kenya CEO Peter Gacheru expressed excitement over Betika’s involvement in the tournaments.

He noted that this sponsorship impacts more golfers by providing a platform to earn world ranking points without needing to travel abroad for high-caliber tournaments. “With partners like Betika, we’re not just growing a tournament; we’re building a pathway for Kenyan golfers to reach the global stage, regardless of their backgrounds,” Gacheru said.

Earlier this month, Kenya’s top amateur golfer, Lejirma, showcased his skills by winning the sixth leg of the tour at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club.
He faced a dramatic sudden-death playoff against Njoroge Kibugu after starting the final round with a four-shot lead. Despite Kibugu’s strong comeback, Lejirma held his nerve. On the playoff hole, he carded a par while Kibugu faltered with a bogey, securing a hard-fought and emotional victory.