Kenya’s national golf team celebrate after winning Africa Zone Four tournament in Ethiopia at the weekend.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Reigning champions Kenya beat rivals Uganda by 22 shots to retain the Africa Golf Confederation Region Four Championship at the Addis Ababa Golf Club Course in Ethiopia at the weekend.

The team lead by Captain Dennis Maara, comprised of Kiambu’s Michael Karanga who recently won the Coronation trophy, Railways’ John Lejirma and youngster Elvis Mbugua.

They posted a combined three under par 210 in the final round of the competition, for a team aggregate of 12 over par 864 against Uganda’s 886.

Rwanda who are set to host next year’s event, finished third with a total of 922 gross while hosts Ethiopia were fourth with 924 points and Tanzania finished last with a total of 951 gross. On form Karanga emerged as the best individual player having shot a total of four under par 280, five shots better than second placed Lejirmah who managed 285. Karanga carded three under par 68 in the final round while Lejirmah had 70.

The Kiambu Golf picked up his first birdie on the fifth hole after he played a bogey in the fourth hole, to close the first nine with a birdie at the ninth hole. He later dropped a shot at the 10th but birdied the 11th, 16th and at the 18th hole. Lejirmah on the other hand, birdied the fifth, eighth, 13th and the 16th and 17th, but double-bogeyed the 15th, having started with two bogeys at the third and fourth.

David Mwangi at Thika Sports Club during the NCBA Golf Series.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Kakamega Sports Club is set to play host to the 2023 NCBA Golf Series this Saturday, 10^th June 2023. The fifth edition of the series will witness the participation of at least 150 golfers from Kakamega and neighbouring clubs, including Nyanza Golf Club. The Series returns to Kakamega this year as a qualifier. This qualifier will be happening at the backdrop of the 1 year anniversary customer engagement scheduled for today Friday the 9^th of June.

The winners of the overall gross, Men’s category, Women’s category, and Juniors category will earn their place to compete in the Grand Finale.

The event follows the successful fourth leg held on May 25th at Thika Sports Club, which attracted an impressive field of 256 golfers. David Matano emerged as the overall winner, triumphing over a strong field of competitors. Simon Ndung’u secured victory in the Men’s category, while Naomi Kimata claimed the title of top Lady golfer. Garcia Kimemia emerged as the champion among the juniors. These four outstanding golfers earned their qualification for the series’ grand finale scheduled for December.

The NCBA Golf Series not only seeks to promote the sport of golf throughout the East African region but also aims to foster a stronger connection between NCBA Bank and its customers through their shared love for the game. This year’s edition consists of a total of 17 club qualifier events hosted at various golf clubs in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

So far, the Series has enjoyed successful tournaments at the Railway Golf Club, Limuru Country Club, and Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club, and Thika Sports Club. Additionally, the Series includes two junior tournaments, with the first one having taken place in Uganda in March and the upcoming one scheduled for the Nyali Golf Club in November.

Speaking ahead of the Kakamega event, NCBA Deputy Director & Group Head of Brands said: “We are thrilled to bring the 2023 NCBA Golf Series to Kakamega Sports Club, continuing our commitment to promoting the sport of golf and strengthening our connection with golf enthusiasts across the region. This tournament will provide a platform for golfers to showcase their skills and compete for a chance to participate in the Grand Finale. We look forward to an exciting weekend of golf and wish all participants the best of luck.”