Royal Nairobi Golf Club’s John Lejirma surged to the top of the leaderboard after an outstanding third-round performance at the Sunshine Tour East Africa Swing Qualifying School at the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort.
Lejirma, who began the round trailing overnight leader Njoroge Kibugu of Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club, carded a brilliant four-under-par 67 to move to six under par (207), establishing himself as the man to beat heading into the final round.
Lejirma played a steady front nine, shooting one under par with three birdies and two bogeys.
He was flawless on the back nine, sinking birdies at the par-4 13th, par-5 14th, and the par-4 18th—redeeming himself after bogeying that hole in the second round.
“Today was a good day, especially after yesterday, which was a bit of a grind. I felt more in control of my game, stuck to my strategy, made better decisions, and the putts started to fall,” said Lejirma.
“Tomorrow, I’ll take a positive approach and hope it pays off. Nothing is guaranteed, as I’m playing against a solid field. I just need to focus on my strategy and not put any pressure on myself.”
Lejirma took over the lead from Njoroge, who endured a tough day, shooting an 8-over-par 82 and plummeting eight places to a tie for ninth at eight over par (221).
His struggles allowed other contenders to rise up the leaderboard.
Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanuzumera of Kigali Golf Resorts and Villas made a remarkable charge, matching Lejirma’s 67 to climb four places into second at two under par (211).
Nsanuzumera had an almost identical round to Lejirma’s, shooting one under on the front nine.
He went on to challenge for the lead with three straight birdies to start the back nine, adding another at the par-5 14th.
A dropped shot at the par-5 17th was his only blemish, as he parred the rest of the holes.
“My game plan was to play better today, which I did. My shots were accurate, and my putting was my strongest weapon,” said Nsanuzumera.
“Tomorrow, I won’t change much in terms of strategy. I hope to win, but if I don’t, I’d still be happy to keep my current position. Winning this tournament would be a great opportunity for me and my country to be placed on the golf map. Yes, there’s pressure, but nothing I can’t handle.”
Kenyan veteran Dismas Indiza of Kakamega Golf Club and Muthaiga Golf Club’s Greg Snow finished the day tied for third at two over par (215).
Indiza impressed with a solid two-under 69, while Snow posted a 74.
The experienced Indiza barely put a foot wrong, with just two bogeys at the par-4 9th and par-3 12th.
“I really enjoyed my round today. I played alongside some great players who challenged me to play well. I missed a short putt on the 9th, but overall, I’m happy,” said Indiza.
“You can never be too sure with golf, especially depending on the pin positions. But I’ll give it my best shot tomorrow.”
Edwin Mudanyi of Karen Country Club sits in fifth at three over par (216), while Samuel Chege of Kenya Railway Golf Club follows in sixth at five over par (218).
Among the day’s biggest movers, Golf Park’s David Wakhu climbed 10 places to 18th, while Mutahi Kibugu made the most significant jump, improving 14 spots to finish 19th.
The final round will tee off at 7:30am, with groups starting off both tees.
The leading group, featuring Dismas Indiza, Celestin Nsanuzumera, and John Lejirma, will tee off at 8:33am from the first tee.
The tournament champion will take home Ksh180,000 from the Ksh1 million prize purse.
Additionally, the top 10 finishers will earn invites to the Sunshine Tour Final Stage Qualifier, set for April 8-11, 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa.