John Lejirma/ HANDOUT
John Lejirma will be out for redemption when the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing returns to Ruiru Sports Club on Sunday for the Absa Bank Ruiru Invitational.
Lejirma missed last year's title after losing to Dismas Indiza in a sudden-death playoff. The pair had tied on four-under-par 212 after 54 holes, with Indiza emerging victorious.
The Royal Nairobi Golf Club professional believes the experience has prepared him better for another shot at the title.
“Last year, I missed by a whisker after going into a playoff, so I took a lot of lessons from that day. I have worked with my coach and this year we are really prepared. For sure, I am going to give them a run for their money,” said Lejirma.
He has worked particularly on his driving, which he considers key to negotiating the Ruiru layout.
“I would say my strength is off the tee because this course really demands that, so I have really worked on that area. I feel ready," he said.
Indiza returns to defend his title and heads into the three-day tournament with confidence after winning the Kabete Challenge earlier this season.
The two will again face a strong field featuring Samuel Njoroge, Greg Snow, Daniel Nduva, Michael Karanga, David Wakhu, Edwin Mudanyi, Mohit Mediratta and Taimur Malik.
Rwanda's Celestin Nsanzuwera leads the international challenge, with golfers from Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Malawi and Burundi also in the field.
The tournament, which runs until Tuesday, will offer Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit, Official World Golf Ranking and World Amateur Golf Ranking points.
The Absa Ruiru Invitational is part of Absa Bank Kenya's partnership with the Sunshine Development Tour, which is supporting three legs of the Tour this season.
