Veteran golfer Dismas Indiza and Joseph Karanja fired matching two-under-par 71s to share the opening-round lead at the Rift Valley Championship at Nakuru Golf Club on Sunday.
The duo set the early pace in the eighth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour, with players battling for a share of the Sh2 million prize purse.
Indiza, representing Kakamega Golf Club, produced five birdies and an eagle on the par-73 course but surrendered valuable shots through five bogeys.
Despite the missed opportunities, the experienced golfer described his performance as a good round overall, saying he was pleased with his birdie conversions.
He acknowledged making mistakes but remained optimistic about building on his opening-round performance and staying in contention heading into Tuesday’s final round.
Golf Park’s Karanja matched Indiza’s score after sinking six birdies, although four bogeys prevented him from taking outright control of the leaderboard.
Karanja described his performance as an encouraging start, crediting his putting and ability to create scoring opportunities. He said maintaining consistency would be crucial over the remaining two rounds.
Simon Njogu and John Lejirma are tied for third on one-under-par 72.
Njogu registered four birdies against three bogeys, while Lejirma endured a rollercoaster round featuring seven birdies, three bogeys and a costly triple bogey on the seventh hole.
John Karichu, Samuel Chege and Edwin Mudanyi share fifth place on level par, with Kenneth Bolo, Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera, Elvis Muigua and Ganeev Giddie tied for eighth.
Sunshine Development chief executive David Ndung’u welcomed the strong start to the tournament, citing favourable weather conditions and reaffirming the tour’s commitment to nurturing emerging golf talent.
Naom Wafula, one of only two women competing, described the experience of playing alongside male golfers as rewarding despite dropping shots during her round. She encouraged more women to take up the sport.
The NCBA Bank-sponsored championship continues on Monday, with the top 30 players and ties advancing to Tuesday’s final round.
The winner will pocket Sh400,000 and claim the first Sunshine Development Tour title staged in Nakuru.
Beyond the prize money, players are chasing valuable Order of Merit points to improve their standings and strengthen their prospects of graduating to the main Sunshine Tour.
The tournament also offers Official World Golf Ranking points for professionals and World Amateur Golf Ranking points for eligible amateurs.
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