Golfer Jared Omondi follows the path of his tee shot during the second leg of the 2024 NCBA Golf Series held at Nakuru Golf Club(1)

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The 2024 NCBA Golf Series heads to the North Rift region this weekend as the nine-hole Eldoret Golf Club set to play host to the third leg of the series.

The tournament has attracted over 100 top golfers from the Eldoret Club, as well as from neighboring clubs including Nandi Bears, Kericho, Kitale, Nakuru, and some from Nairobi. They will be battling it out for the series top honors and a chance to secure slots to play at the Grand Finale set for later in the year.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora noted that the event is an important platform for golfers to showcase their golfing skills.

“We are delighted to be headed to Eldoret for the third leg of the 2024 NCBA Golf Series. We aim to provide an opportunity to golfers in the North Rift a chance to not only compete in the series but also to get to improve their skills by playing against top golfers. This is also an opportunity for us to engage with our diverse stakeholders in the larger North Rift region and we therefore look forward to it.”

On his part, Club captain Dr. Mathew Koech expressed confidence in the event’s success noting the great anticipated turnout as well as the superb course conditions.

“We are grateful to NCBA for the opportunity to be part of the NCBA Golf Series. NCBA has been an important partner, and this event further serves to strengthen our relationship. We anticipate a great turnout with over 100 golfers of our club members as well as from neighboring clubs already signed up for the tournament. The greens are also in good condition thanks to the recent rains, and we therefore anticipate a highly successful tournament.”

The Eldoret event follows the successful Nakuru Golf Club’s leg held on March 23^rd where John Mburu carded a solid round of 37 Stableford points to claim the men’s Division One title. The Ladies Division One category was won by handicapped 7-player Emma Pennington with a score of 33 Stableford points.

In Division Two, handicap 16 Joseph Munene’s 42 points earned him the top honors among the men in the category while Esther Karuga (handicap 18) reigned supreme in the ladies category with a score of 39 points. At the same time, Esther Thuku playing off handicap 35 claimed the top honors in Division Three and emerged triumphant after amassing a total of 46 points.

After the Eldoret leg, the Series will be back in action on April 20 when Ruiru Sports Club hosts the fourth leg of the series which comprises 23 legs played across various golf clubs across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series is set to resume this weekend at the par-72 Thika Sports Club for the 2024 Winston Churchill tournament, running from April 5th to 7^th.

Organized by the Thika Sports Club Tournaments Committee and supported by NCBA Bank as the title sponsor, the tournament has drawn 111 top Kenyan and Ugandan amateurs who will vie for cash prizes and opportunities to earn points in both the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).

Among the notable players poised to take on the greens are reigning top-ranked amateur in Kenya, Elvis Muigua from Kiambu Golf Club, Adel Balala of Nyali Golf & Country Club who recently triumphed at the Muthaiga Open, and defending champion Dennis Maara from Limuru Country Club.

Kenya’s talent pool also includes 2022 Summer Deaflympics bronze medalist Isaac Makokha, Josephat Rono representing Golf Park, and John Lejirma from the Kenya Railway Golf Club.

The Ugandan contingent includes Titus Okwong from Uganda Golf Club, Dominic Musoke and Kakooza Abdallah of Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Club, Andrew Ssekibejja from Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort, and Joseph Kasozi from Kinyara Golf Club.

Home player Betty Ndenderu, Eunice Kilonzo of the Kenya Railway Golf Club, and Anne Kanyori of Thika Greens are the three lady golfers ready to compete shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts.

Moses Gatonye, captain of Thika Sports Club, expressed excitement about hosting this prestigious event in their golf calendar, anticipating fierce competition. He stated, “We are thrilled to welcome golfers from near and far to the Winston Churchill Golf Tournament. This event not only celebrates the sport of golf but also offers players a platform to showcase their skills. With a strong field comprising top amateurs from Kenya and Uganda, we expect nothing short of thrilling golfing action.”

The 2024 Winston Churchill Golf Tournament has been sponsored by NCBA Bank as title sponsors, STIHL, and Vivo Energy-Shell.

Kenya Sports CS Ababu Namwamba (right) awards Dutchman Darius Van Driel, winner of the 2024 Magical Kenya Open.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The 2024 DP World Tour Magical Kenya Open concluded with a triumphant celebration of both sporting excellence and electrifying entertainment at the Home of Golf – Muthaiga Golf Club. As Dutchman Darius Van Driel claimed victory on the greens, attendees were treated to an immersive entertainment experience, courtesy of KBL’s Johnnie Walker brand.

While the golfing action reached its climax, the excitement reverberated across borders, capturing the hearts of spectators, including our neighbors in Uganda, who rallied behind Ronald Rugumayo’s historic achievement as the first Ugandan to make a cut on a European Tour tournament.

However, it wasn’t just the golfing prowess that captivated audiences. The entertainment village, curated by Johnnie Walker, served as a vibrant hub of music, dance, and celebration throughout the four-day event. From pulsating beats to soul-stirring performances, the lineup of entertainment artists left an indelible mark on attendees, elevating the overall event experience.

Vijana Barubaru entertain revelers at the Kifaru Village during the event.

Kicking off the festivities on Thursday, DJ Legs & DJ Kronixx set the stage ablaze with their infectious energy, setting the tempo for the days to come. Friday saw a seamless fusion of music genres curated by DJ T Fresh, DJ Pierra Makena, and DJ Jo Kisila, ensuring that the crowd remained on their feet well into the night.

Saturday witnessed a crescendo of excitement with mixes by DJ Tophaz and Capital FM’s DJ UV, complemented by sensational performances from legendary artist Nameless and the soulful sensation Bensoul. Nameless delivered a captivating performance, seamlessly blending his timeless hits such as “Coming Home” and “Ninanoki” with newer favorites like “Inspire,” leaving the crowd spellbound.

Following Nameless, Bensoul took the stage with his soulful voice and magnetic stage presence, enchanting the audience with renditions of his popular songs such as “Navutishwa,” “Peddi,” and “Lucy.” His dynamic performance kept the energy high and the crowd engaged until the final note.

Dutchman Darius Van Driel celebrates after winning the 2024 Magical Kenya Open

As the tournament drew to a close on Sunday, DJ Most Wanted and DJ Adrian took command of the decks, paving the way for dynamic performances by Vijana Barubaru and award-winning Afro-Pop singer Ndegz. Vijana Barubaru, known for their hit “Sasa Hivi,” brought their signature energy to the stage, captivating the audience with their infectious beats and vibrant stage presence.

Ndegz’s set included surprise appearances by veteran rapper CMB Prezzo and Madtraxx, adding to the unforgettable atmosphere of the evening.

Johnnie Walker’s commitment to enhancing the event experience was evident throughout, as attendees were treated to unforgettable moments that transcended the confines of the golf course. Through partnerships with local artists and the creation of a vibrant entertainment atmosphere, Johnnie Walker elevated the Magical Kenya Open to new heights, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.