Michael Karanga receives his trophy from KGU Chairman Chris Kinuthia after winning the 2025 NCBA Nanyuki Open

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The inaugural NCBA Nanyuki Open 2025 concluded in thrilling fashion at the scenic Nanyuki Sports Club, with Michael Karanga capturing the tournament’s first-ever title. The event, which drew 74 top amateurs with a handicap limit of 13.5, delivered on its promise of world-class golf against the backdrop of Mt. Kenya. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Karanga, currently ranked 70th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, showcased his trademark consistency and sharp play to outlast a competitive field. Among the top contenders were John Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, and Ebill Omollo, who pushed the champion all the way in a fiercely contested tournament.

The championship featured a prize purse of Kes 500,000, underscoring the NCBA Nanyuki Open’s growing stature and solidifying its place on the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit. Beyond the competition, the event spotlighted Nanyuki Sports Club’s rich golfing tradition, challenging course, and panoramic views, while also offering fans a weekend of sport, community, and hospitality.

During the prize-giving ceremony, the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) announced the four-man national team set to represent the country at the Africa Region IV Championship in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from 25th to 29th November 2025.

The team includes:

• John Lejirma (Captain) – Reigning Kenya No. 1, ranked 74th in the WAGR. Winner of seven KAGC titles this season.Michael Karanga – Ranked 70th WAGR, winner of five titles this year including the Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship, securing him a spot at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.
• Elvis Muigua – Three-time champion this year, currently ranked 418th WAGR.
• Junaid Ayaz Manji – Kenya’s top junior golfer, ranked 822nd WAGR, with two titles in 2025 and captain of the junior team at the All Africa Junior Golf Team Championship.

The same trio of Lejirma, Karanga, and Muigua delivered victory for Kenya in Kigali last year. With Junaid now strengthening the side, confidence is high for a successful title defense under Coach Saleem Haji.

Speaking after the announcement, the KGU Chairman said:

“This team reflects the strength and depth of Kenyan golf at both senior and junior levels. We are confident they will rise to the occasion and bring the trophy back home.”

Karanga, celebrating both his Nanyuki Open victory and his place on the national team, added:

“Winning the inaugural NCBA Nanyuki Open is a proud moment. I’m equally honored to represent Kenya once again, and we are determined to make the country proud in Madagascar.”

With the success of the NCBA Nanyuki Open, the Kenya Golf Union and NCBA Group have set a strong foundation for the event to become a permanent fixture on the KAGC calendar, promising even greater competition and opportunities for Kenya’s golfing talent in the years to come.

Catherine Kamene is feted after winning in Ruiru.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Catherine Kamene (HCP 25) produced a superb round to claim the overall winner’s trophy at the weekend’s Legendary Golf Tourney, carding an impressive 41 points to top a competitive field of 281 golfers staged at Ruiru Sports Club. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Her steady play across the course gave her a narrow edge over the men’s champion John Njenga (HCP 14), who returned 40 points, and the ladies’ winner, Bethanie Mukanga (HCP 34), who finished with 38 points.

Speaking after her victory, Kamene said the result was a reward for consistency and composure on the course. “It was one of those days where everything just came together. My short game held up well, and I stayed focused throughout the round. I’m honored to emerge the overall winner in such a strong field,” she said.

In the men’s category, Njenga led the charge with his 40 points, while John Gicheru (HCP 18) was runner-up on 39 points. For the ladies, Mukanga edged past Petty Kigwe (HCP 19), who settled for second with 37 points.

The juniors also impressed, with Lucy Wangari (HCP 23) delivering a fine performance of 39 points to secure the junior winner’s title. Among sponsors, Legendary Edmund Ndegwa (HCP 32) posted 36 points, while Phane Kerubo (HCP 26) took the corporate sponsor prize with 35 points.

Other standout performers included Michael Thiga (HCP 16), who topped the guest category with 39 points, and Simon Mutinia (HCP 32), who reigned in Division Two with 38 points. The best nine scores went to Mogondu Nicholas (HCP 25), who posted 23 points on the first nine, and James Kibogo (HCP 11), who mirrored that with 23 points on the second nine.