Nairobi: Greg Snow took command of the leaderboard after the opening round of the Betika Masters at Vetlab Sports Club, posting a 4-under-par 68 to lead the 73-player field at the seventh leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.
According to Kenya News Agency, Snow, one of Kenya’s most experienced golfers, displayed his trademark composure and course management throughout the day. Starting off the 10th, he made a steady par before briefly stumbling with bogeys on the 11th and 12th holes. However, he quickly recovered with birdies on the 13th, 15th, and 18th to turn at 1-under. On his back nine, the Muthaiga Golf Club professional found his rhythm, adding birdies on the 1st, 4th, and 9th to close his round at 4-under par 68, two shots clear of a tightly packed field chasing him into Sunday’s second round. Speaking after his round, Snow said he started a bit shaky on the 11th and 12th, but he maintained patience and trusted the process, which was bolstered by birdies on the 13th and 15th.
Tied for second on 2-under par 70 was a group of four players: Njoroge Kibugu, Celestin Nsanzuwera of Rwanda, Grace Kasango of Uganda, and Mutahi Kibugu, each displaying competitive play on the opening day. Njoroge Kibugu, a two-time winner on the Tour, recovered from a double bogey on the 5th with four consecutive birdies and closed at 2-under with additional birdies on the back nine.
Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera continued his impressive form with a solid 2-under-par 70, featuring strategic birdies and a few dropped shots. Uganda’s Grace Kasango impressed with birdies on several holes and only one bogey, while Mutahi Kibugu played an eventful round with multiple birdies and bogeys.
Michael Karanga stood out as the best-placed amateur, posting a 1-under par 71, tying for sixth alongside professionals John Wangai and Edwin Mudanyi. Karanga expressed that playing with top professionals provides invaluable experience and opportunities for growth.
The Betika Masters at VetLab Sports Club marks the seventh leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, offering Official World Golf Ranking and World Amateur Golf Ranking points. The tournament continues on Monday, with the top 30 players and ties expected to make the cut for the final round.
