Nyali Golf & Country Club professional Daniel Nduva produced a remarkable back-nine comeback to win the NCBA Royal Classic, the second leg of the 2026 Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, played at Royal Nairobi Golf Club from 7-9 June.
Nduva, who began the final round tied for second place, carded a level-par 72 to finish the tournament on 3-under par 213, securing his maiden Sunshine Development Tour title and the winner's cheque of KES 400 000 (around R50 000) from the tournament's KES 2 million prize purse.
The victory was anything but straightforward for the coastal golfer, who endured a difficult opening nine. His front nine featured bogeys on the 1st and 8th holes as well as a costly double-bogey on the 7th, leaving him with work to do heading into the closing stretch.
However, Nduva mounted a spirited recovery on the back nine, sinking crucial birdies on the 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th and 17th holes to claw his way back into contention and eventually emerge victorious.
Speaking after his win, Nduva credited his driving and resilience for helping him secure the title.
"It feels really good to get this win. The front nine was challenging and I had a few unlucky breaks, but I stayed patient and kept believing in my game. On the back nine, I hit every fairway and every green, and that gave me the confidence to attack the pins and create birdie opportunities."
"My driving was probably the strongest part of my game today. When you're hitting the driver well, it gives you confidence throughout the rest of your game. I managed to make five birdies on the back nine and that ultimately made the difference."
"Last year I struggled with injury, so to come back and win again means a lot to me. This victory is a reminder that golf is about staying patient, fighting through the difficult moments and believing in yourself even when things are not going your way."
The battle for the title remained tight throughout the final round, with six players eventually sharing second place on 1-under par 215.
The group comprised Kenya's John Lejirma, Rwanda's Celestin Nsanzuwera, David Wakhu, Greg Snow, amateur Adel Balala, and Nigeria's Sunday Olapade, who had started the day as the overnight leader.
For their performances, the six players each earned KES 114 833 from the prize purse.
The NCBA Royal Classic attracted a strong field of 96 local and international professionals and amateurs from across Africa and beyond, all competing for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points.
The tournament also marked the second event of the 2026/27 Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing season following the opening leg at Thika Sports Club, won by Rwanda's Celestin Nsanzuwera.
Attention now shifts to the next leg of the Tour at Vetlab Sports Club from 14-16 June.