Kate Ngotho, Overall Ladies winner receives her winner’s prize from NCBA Group MD John Gachora during the NCBA Golf Series at Karen Country Club

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Home players Nick Markham and Kate Ngotho emerged as the overall winners at the latest leg of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series held at Karen Country Club on Saturday, as golfers competed for top honours and coveted spots at the Series Grand Finale scheduled for later this year. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Markham claimed the Overall Men’s title after returning an impressive score of 75 gross in a competitive field that featured some of the country’s top club golfers.

Speaking after his victory, Markham expressed his delight at the win and securing his place at the season-ending finale.

“It feels fantastic to win this leg of the series. I had a good round and had great playing partners. My putter didn’t work quite well today and I feel I could have gone lower, but I am happy with my round today. Qualifying for the Grand Finale is a validation that my game is going in the right direction, and I am excited to see where the next step can take us,” said Markham.

Karen Country Club’s Nick Markham tees off during his home club’s leg of the NCBA Golf Series.

In the ladies’ category, Kate Ngotho emerged as the Overall Lady Winner after carding 89 gross on countback, capping off a significant personal milestone after a challenging previous season.

“I am so excited to have emerged top because last year was quite a struggle, so I am very happy to have gotten through this round. Qualifying for the finale means that I get the opportunity to compete against many other players from other clubs and prove that I am the best lady player,” said Ngotho.

Paul Kaguamba finished as the Men’s Runner-Up after posting 77 gross on countback, while Margareta Gram claimed the Ladies’ Runner-Up prize with 89 gross on countback.

In the Division One category, Kiunjuri Mathu emerged victorious after returning an outstanding 84 gross score. Liban Roba finished third on 77 gross on countback, while Lesaan Shani took fourth place with 78 gross on countback.

The Division Two categories saw Edwin Nyairo claim the Men’s title with an impressive 43 points, while Jacintah Wambugu secured the Ladies’ honours after carding 38 points.

In Division Three, junior golfer Mutei Mwendwa won the Men’s category with 38 points, while Susan Kihato topped the Ladies’ category with 41 points.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa follows the path of his tee shot during the NCBA Golf Series at Karen Country Club.

Speaking after the tournament, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the continued growth of the Series reflects the increasing popularity of golf across the country and the value of creating opportunities for golfers of all abilities to compete.

“The NCBA Golf Series continues to provide a platform where golfers can challenge themselves, connect with one another and enjoy the game at some of the country’s best courses. We are encouraged by the strong participation we continue to witness across the Series and remain committed to supporting the growth of golf while creating opportunities for more players to experience and enjoy the sport,” said Gachora.

The event marked the sixteenth qualifier of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series calendar, which has attracted thousands of golfers across the country this season. Winners from the various categories earned qualification spots to the highly anticipated Grand Finale set for November at Karen Country Club.

The Series forms part of NCBA’s broader commitment to supporting golf development in Kenya through investments across junior, amateur, professional and club golf.

Pro golfer CJ Wangai is one of the golfers representing Kenya in MKO 2026.

By AMANDA DAMARIS

Betika has today injected KES 3.2 million in sponsorship for five of Kenya’s premier golfers. The sponsored lineup features elite amateurs Michael Karanga and John Lejirma, alongside seasoned professionals CJ Wangai, Samuel Njoroge, and Justus Madoya.

This elite cohort is set to represent the country at the prestigious 2026 Magical Kenya Open (MKO), a standout fixture of the DP World Tour, which returns to the lush fairways of the Karen Country Club from February 19th to February 22nd, 2026.

The KES 3.2 million fund is designed to cover tournament preparations, endorsement fees, and logistics, ensuring the players are in peak condition to challenge an international field of golfers. This marks the third consecutive year of Betika’s involvement in sponsoring MKO players.

Betika Group CEO Mutua Mutava stated, “We remain committed to elevating Kenyan sports on the global stage. By concentrating our support on these five outstanding athletes, we aim to provide more targeted assistance to individuals who have demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the season.” He further added, “The talent present in Kenyan golf is undeniable, and we take great pride in supporting these athletes as they compete against the world’s best at Karen Country Club.”

The 2026 team enters the tournament on the back of a stellar 2025 season characterized by record-breaking performances. John Lejirma arrives at Karen as the reigning 2025 KAGC Series Champion following a dominant year that included nine tournament victories. He is joined by Michael Karanga, the first amateur to qualify for this year’s MKO after a historic win at the 2025 Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship and successful title defenses at the Sigona Bowl and Kiambu Open.

On the professional front, Samuel Njoroge continues his ascent after a significant triumph at the PGK Equator Tour in Diani late last year. He is bolstered by the experience of CJ Wangai, who recently set a course record of 6-under-par at VetLab during the Sunshine Development Tour, and Justus Madoya, whose robust season across the East African region included a top-tier finish in the Rwanda leg of the professional circuit.

Michael Karanga, on behalf of the sponsored players, stated, “We are prepared for the upcoming weekend. Our intention is not merely to participate in Karen, but to compete at the highest level. It is gratifying to focus solely on the game without financial concerns.” Having maintained peak performance throughout the past year, Karanga conveyed a strong confidence that this year a Kenyan will make a serious bid for the trophy.

The 2026 Magical Kenya Open is expected to attract over 25,000 spectators and a full field of 144 players from more than 30 countries. Kenya brings the largest international contingent with 18 players – 12 professionals and 6 amateurs, followed by South Africa with 17 players led by defending champion Jacques Kruyswijk.