Amon Ngechu (left), NCBA Head of Engineering Digital Business presents an award to Isaac Matubia Men’s Division One winner of the NCBA Golf Series at Muthaiga

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Isaac Matubi showcased exceptional golfing skills at the Muthaiga Golf Club leg of the 2024 NCBA Golf Series over the weekend, securing victory in the Division One category with an impressive 36 Stableford points.

Matubi, playing off handicap 10, outshone his competitors in the highly competitive division that featured golfers with handicaps of up to 12. Junaid Manji, a handicap 2 golfer, closely followed in second place with 35 points.

Reflecting on his win, Matubi said, “The course at Muthaiga is always challenging, but today I felt very confident with my game. Maintaining focus and composure throughout the round was key, and I am happy to have come out on top in such a competitive field.”

The tournament, which marked the sixth edition of the series, attracted over 200 amateur golfers who vied for top honors.

The Division Two Category, for golfers with handicaps between 13 and 24, saw Yogendra Nandha clinch the men’s title. In the ladies’ division, Sajni Shah, playing off handicap 21, delivered an outstanding performance, carding a total of 40 Stableford points to claim victory.

In Division Three, which features golfers with handicaps of 24 and above, Rebecca Juma emerged as the champion. Playing off a handicap of 32, Juma carded a round of 33, narrowly beating Dennis Mugambi after a countback.

Among the other notable results, Alvin Kaisha, playing off handicap 15, stood out as the Junior winner, impressively carding 35 points.

At the same time, Jacob Ochieng claimed victory in the Guest category with 34 points, while Paul Jakaa emerged as the Staff winner with 33 points.

Speaking on the success of the event, Nelly Wainaina, NCBA Group Director for Marketing, Communications, and Citizenship, said; “The turnout and enthusiasm at Muthaiga Golf Club have been phenomenal. The NCBA Golf Series is not just about competition; it’s about bringing people together and fostering a love for the sport. We are committed to supporting the growth of golf in Kenya and providing a platform for both seasoned golfers and rising stars to showcase their talents. The success of this event reaffirms our dedication to these goals.”

“The NCBA Golf Series continues to be a platform that celebrates talent and fosters a spirit of competition and community among golf enthusiasts. We are proud to witness such remarkable performances and look forward to the continued success of the series,” he added.

The top performers of the Muthaiga leg have now secured their slots at the Series 2024 Grand Finale. They include the Division 1 Male and Female Winners, Division 2 Male and Female Winners, the Overall Winner of Division 3, and the top performer in the Junior category.

Peter Wachira, CEO, ICEA Lion Trust Company and Phillip Lopokoyit, ICEA Group CEO posing with some of the junior golfers at Muthaiga Golf Club

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

In a notable event at the Kenya Junior Strokeplay Championship, ICEA LION Trust Company, the Trust business arm of the ICEA LION Group announced a partnership with the Junior Golf Foundation at Muthaiga Golf Club. This partnership is in line with our commitment to supporting the growth of golf amongst the youth. This initiative marks an industry-first move into junior golf sponsorship by an Insurance Group in Kenya, positioning ICEA LION as the pioneering Insurance Group to support junior golf. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Peter Wachira, Principal Officer of ICEA LION Trust Company, reflected on the impact of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a commitment to creating opportunities for young golfers to excel both on and off the green. We are setting the foundation for a future where sports can be a viable path for personal and professional development.”

Philip Lopokoiyit, CEO, ICEA LION Group, shared his perspective on this new venture, “Our partnership with the Junior Golf Foundation is a strategic move towards contributing significantly to the development of golf in Kenya. It represents our investment in the future – not just in sports, but in cultivating discipline, focus, and resilience among young Kenyans. Our support to the Junior Golf Foundation is indeed in line with the ICEA LION Trust Company vision to deliver sustainable success for the future.’’

Adding to the excitement, Regina Gachora, President of the Junior Golf Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm, “This partnership is a significant milestone in our mission to grow the sport of golf in Kenya. It enables us to reach more aspiring young golfers and provides them with the resources and platforms they need to succeed.”

The event marked the continuation of a series of over 41 junior golf tournaments across Nairobi, Coast, North-Rift, Western, and Central regions, supported by the partnership. This extensive program underlines the shared commitment of ICEA LION Trust Company and the Junior Golf Foundation to nurturing the sport’s growth and accessibility for young athletes across Kenya.