A golfer in action during the 2023 NCBA Golf Series in Kakamega.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The fifth leg of the 2023 NCBA Golf Series held at Kakamega Sports Club on Saturday, concluded on a high note, despite the challenging weather conditions that characterized the day.

Over 100 dedicated golfers from Kakamega and neighbouring clubs defied the rainy weather, synonymous with the region to participate in the tournament as they aimed to book their slots to play in the tournament’s Grand Finale.

Cendric Konzolo, playing off handicap 5, defied all odds to emerge as the overall gross winner of the tournament, displaying his golfing prowess with an impressive score of 78 gross.

Among the men, Victor Muhando, playing off handicap 11, showcased exceptional skills, earning him the top spot with 80 gross. Julius Oketch, also playing off handicap 11, closely followed with a commendable score of 81 points, securing the second position.

In the ladies’ category, Lydia Okech, playing off handicap 20, exhibited remarkable skill and consistency, claiming victory with 91 gross while Dr Beatrice Shikuku, playing off handicap 22, put up a strong performance to secure the runner-up position with a score of 94 gross.

The Nett categories also saw outstanding performances as handicap 16 golfer Jack Songwa emerged as the top performer in the men’s category, scoring an impressive 70 nett points, while Maureen Mundia, playing off handicap 37 excelled in the ladies’ category, matching Songwa’s score of 70 nett points.

At the same time, the Longest Drive Challenge witnessed a remarkable display of power and precision with Cendric Konzolo once again demonstrating his exceptional skills by winning the challenge in the men’s category. Visiting Sharon Moraa from Kisii Sports Club also displayed remarkable skill to emerge as the winner in the ladies’ category.

Speaking during the event, Charles Omondi, NCBA Group Ag. Director Retail Banking: “We are thrilled to witness such incredible talent and enthusiasm displayed by the participants at the 2023 NCBA Golf Series qualifier in Kakamega. This event not only showcases the remarkable golfing skills of the players but also strengthens the bond between NCBA Bank and the golfing community. We are proud to be a part of this journey and remain committed to promoting sports and fostering community development.”

“We are particularly delighted that this event coincides with our bank’s one-year anniversary of serving the Kakamega region. Over the past year, we have experienced tremendous growth and success, and it is a moment of great pride for NCBA Bank to be a part of this vibrant community. We have been warmly welcomed, and the support we have received from the people of Kakamega has been phenomenal. As we celebrate this milestone, we look back at the year with gratitude and forward to a future filled with even stronger partnerships and continued commitment to the development of the region.”

Following the successful completion of the Kakamega event, the NCBA Golf Series now sets its sights on Nairobi, as VetLab Sports Club prepares to host the sixth leg on Saturday, 17th June 2023.

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.