Millions for golfing sensation Njoroge Kibugu after stellar season
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 26.03.26. | 13:25
He is preparing to feature in the Sunshine Tour running from April to March 2027
Kenyan golfer Njoroge Kibugu has received a major financial boost after Absa Bank Kenya awarded him Ksh2 million in recognition of his impressive performance at the Magical Kenya Open 2026 held in February.
Kibugu stood out as the only Kenyan to make the cut to the final round, battling against a strong field of players from over 30 countries.
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His defining moment came in the second round, where a spectacular eagle at hole 18 secured his place beyond the cut line.
The 22-year-old capped off his campaign in style, delivering a flawless final round of 65, carding five birdies to finish an impressive six-under-par overall. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of his brother Mutahi Kibugu, who made the cut at the tournament in 2023.
Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony held on Tuesday, 25 March at the Karen Country Club, Absa Bank Kenya’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director, Mwihaki Wachira, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
“Through our continued partnership with Kenya Open Golf Limited and other stakeholders in the sports ecosystem, we are proud to support the growth of golf in Kenya and across the region. Njoroge’s performance is a testament to the immense potential we have locally, and we are delighted to recognise and support his journey as he competes at the highest level,” she said.
Kibugu welcomed the recognition, noting that the financial support will play a crucial role in advancing his professional career as he eyes bigger milestones on the international stage.
“I would like to thank Absa for this two-million cash reward. It will help towards my development on the Sunshine Tour this season, running from April 15 to March 2027. One of my goals is to win on the Sunshine Tour and finish in the top 20 on the Order of Merit, as no Kenyan has achieved that yet. I am very excited for that, and there is a lot to look forward to. I cannot wait for the next Magical Kenya Open,” he said.
In addition to Absa’s reward, Kibugu also received a further Ksh5 million from the Kenyan government earlier in the month.
The five-million bonanza was a fulfillment of the pledge made to the young golfer by President William Ruto during this year's award presentation and closing ceremony of the MKO at Karen Country Golf Club on Sunday, 22 February.
Absa Bank invested Ksh65 million in the 2026 edition of the Magical Kenya Open. The event was staged from Thursday, 19 to Sunday, 22 February at Karen Country Club.
Kibugu now shifts his focus to the Sunshine Tour in South Africa, where he earned his spot after topping the East Africa Swing of the Sunshine Development Tour.