Royal Nairobi Golf Club’s amateur John Lejirma reclaimed the lead on the penultimate round of the Sunshine Development Tour— East Africa Swing Qualifying School (Q-School) tournament at the par –71 Great Rift Valley Golf Resort in Naivasha yesterday.
Lejirma reclaimed the lead he lost to Njoroge Kibugu on Day Two of the event and established a four-stroke lead, going into today’s finale.
He carded an impressive round of 4 under par 67, made up of six birdies, to move to the summit on 6 under par 207 for the total three rounds.
Kigali Golf Resorts and Villas star Celestin Nsanzuwera was the day’s surprise package, moving four slots up to the second position.
Nsanzuwera also posted four under par 67 made up of seven birdies to go to bed with a cumulative total of 2 under par 211.
Kakamega Golf Club’s Dismas Indiza moved to number three from joint ninth on Day Two. He played 2 over par 215.
Lejirma said: “Today, I had a positive feeling. I felt more in control of my game and I stuck to my strategy. I made better decisions on the course and I was lucky some long putts decided to drop as opposed to Tuesday.”
Going into the Finale, he said: “It’s not guaranteed that I will win until the last drop putt. I maintain my strategy of keeping the ball in play and trusting the process. The course is much better as opposed to the first round. In the last two rounds the greens were a bit rolling. I thank the Great Rift Committee and management for putting in more effort in making sure the course is in perfect condition.”
On his part, Rwanda’s Celestine Nsanzuwera said: “My game was good. My shots were better and the putting was good. I’m happy to be in that position and I hope I will finish on a high.”
“Everyone has their game plan, and today, my game plan worked. The course was busy and I got distracted in hole number 17. I hope tomorrow will be okay,” he added.
“I’m confident I can win; it’s possible,” he said while hailing the Sunshine Development Tour. “It’s a big opportunity for me because I will be playing in several countries. I hope it will be there every month.”
A total of 52 golfers made the cut, which was set at 18 over par, to play in rounds three and Four. The list includes 13 amateurs, among them ladies Kellie Gachanga and Joyce Wanjiru.
