Millions of shillings at stake as NCBA Royal Classic enters final day
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 09.06.26. | 10:38
With everything still to play for, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion at Royal Nairobi Golf Club as a new champion is crowned
Nigeria’s Sunday Olapade will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the NCBA Royal Classic as the contest for the second title of the 2026 Sunshine Development Tour, East Africa Swing season reaches its climax today at Royal Nairobi Golf Club.
Olapade moved to the top of the leaderboard after delivering one of the standout rounds of the day on Monday, firing a superb 5-under-par 67 to reach 4-under-par 140 after 36 holes.
The Nigerian professional leads a tightly packed field, with just two strokes separating the top five players heading into the decisive round.
Hot on his heels are Nyali Golf & Country Club’s Adel Balala and Daniel Nduva, who are tied for second at 3-under-par 141.
They are closely followed by Muthaiga Golf Club’s Nelson Mudanyi and fellow Nigerian Godwin Okoko, both on 2-under-par 142.
The final round promises a dramatic finish, with players chasing not only the NCBA Royal Classic title but also valuable Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), and Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points.
Speaking after taking the lead, Olapade said: “I played some really solid golf and stayed patient throughout the round. There is still one round to go, and my focus is on staying disciplined, taking my chances, and finishing strong.”
The final round also offers Adel Balala a chance to become the first amateur winner of the season, having led after the opening round.
Daniel Nduva will be targeting his maiden Sunshine Development Tour title after staying firmly in contention throughout the week.
Mudanyi and Okoko remain within striking distance and will be hoping to capitalize on any slip-ups from the leaders in what is expected to be a tightly contested final 18 holes.
A total of 30 players and ties made the cut and will compete in the final round for a share of the Ksh 2 million prize purse, with the winner set to earn Ksh 400,000.
The field remains strongly international, featuring players from Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom.
The NCBA Royal Classic is the second event of the 2026/27 Sunshine Development Tour, East Africa Swing season, following the opener at Thika Sports Club, where Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera claimed victory.
With everything still to play for, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion at Royal Nairobi Golf Club as a new champion is crowned.
