-This is only the beginning of the 11-event Equator Tour, where every shot counts for a chance at the Magical Kenya Open.
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS.
Nyali golf and country club’s professional golfer Daniel Nduva outshined stiff rivals to claim the day one lead on Thursday in the ongoing Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) Equator Tour golf tournament being played at the par 73 Ruiru Sports Club course.
Nduva carded a sterling 7 under par 66 gross after dropping a stunning back nine with Birdies, an eagle, and flawless precision that got him to the top going to the next day’s second rounds.
“The first day has been good and will continue to maintain the same play in the next rounds if all goes well. The course is fine and I admit it’s being a big challenge playing against my stiff rivals, “said Nduva.
The second slot proved a big challenge where five professionals namely Riz Charania, John Karichu, Nicholas Rokine, Keneth Bollo and Mike Kisia closed the day tied up on a 6 under par 67 gross.
Ngugi Nuguna and Eric Ouko followed also tied on a 5 under par 68 gross with Junaid Manji and Njoroge Kibugu also tied on 4 under par 69 gross to close the day among the top ten leaders.
This first PGK Tour at Ruiru that ends on Sunday, features more than fifty of Kenya’s professional golfers and is among the 11-month legs that will traverse twelve courses across the country, culminating in a grand finale scheduled for 5th to 8th February 2026 at Muthaiga Sports Club.
This tour being sponsored by several corporates, marks a significant milestone in the development of professional golf in Kenya, providing local players with a robust platform to showcase their talent and prepare for international competition.
It also promises to deliver thrilling golf action, foster new talent, and strengthen Kenya’s position on the global golfing map.
In the Tour four professional golfers Mohit Mediratta (Sigona), Mathew Wahome (Nyali), Samuel Njoroge (Kenya Railways) and Njoroge Kibugu (Muthaiga) has benefited from a three-year KShs.3 million support deal from Telco giant, Safaricom in a programme aimed to equip emerging professional golfers with the skills, discipline, and exposure needed to thrive in competitive golf.
The four will form Safaricom’s Corporate Team, participating in both the Equator Tour events and other PGK sanctioned tournaments this season.
In addition to the support, Safaricom will further support the four professional golfers in the ongoing Equator Tour legs by providing branded golf kits (polo shirts, pants, golf bags, and caps), monthly airtime, a device and incentive cash prizes for winners in each series.
The players will also benefit from financial literacy training, ensuring they are equipped with essential skills beyond the course.
Furthermore, this partnership offers holistic support to the team, including weekly gym sessions, bi-monthly mental coaching and monthly simulator-based performance analysis and data capture, enabling the players to continually track and improve their game.
Safaricom PLC Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa said they believe in creating more opportunities for young Kenyans to realize their full potential both on and off the field.
“Through this partnership with PGK, we are investing in these four exceptional golfers and I wish them the very best as they embark on this journey that forms part of the PGK’s Player Development Plan (PDP). The plan is structured with mentorship and training programmes designed to equip emerging golfers with the skills, discipline and exposure needed to thrive locally and internationally in competitive golf, “said Ndega.
Youthful Professional golfer Njoroge Kibugu of Muthaiga said that it is exciting to be supported by such a big brand like Safaricom.
“As a team of young professional golfers, we see this as a great opportunity not just to showcase our talent but also to grow and develop our careers further. With this sponsorship, we will be able to gain more skills and compete on global stages. We are truly grateful to Dr. Peter Ndegwa for the warm welcome and for gifting us high-quality golf kits which we will be using during the tour. We promise to make Safaricom proud as our corporate sponsor,” said Kibugu.
The launch of the PGK Player Development Plan and Equator Tour marks a new era in Kenyan golf, one grounded in vision, collaboration and the Olympic dream.
PGK EQUATOR TOUR-DAY ONE STANDINGS-RUIRU (THURSDAY).
Daniel Nduva-(-7)-66 gross, Riz Charania (-6)-67 gross, John Karichu (-6)-67 gross, Nicholas Rokine (-6)-67 gross, Keneth Bollo (-6)-67 gross, Keneth Bollo (-6)-67 gross, Mike Kisia (-5)-67 gross, Ngugi Njuguna (-5)-68 gross, Eric Ooko (-4)-68 gross, Junaid Manji (-4)-69 gross, Njoroge Kibugu (-4)-69 gross.
PGK EQUATOR TOUR 2025/26-CALENDAR OF EVENTS.
Ruiru Sports Club-3rd -6th July 2025, Limuru Country Club-24th -27th July 2025, Mt Kipipiri golf resort-14th -17th August 2025, Royal Nairobi Golf Club-21st-24th August 2025, Nakuru golf club-4th-7th September 2025, Great Rift Valley Golf Resort-18th-21st September 2025, Diamond Leisure Golf Resort-23rd -26th October 2025, Nyali Golf and Country Club-20th -23rd November 2025, Sigona golf club- 4th -7th December 2025, Windsor Country Club-8th -11t January 2026, Muthaiga golf Club-February 2026-Grand Finale.
ENDS.
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