Kisii Sports Club

By DANIELLA APIYO

Kisii Sports Club is set to host more than 100 golfers on February 28 for the highly anticipated CBK Golf Tournament, a flagship event expected to draw top amateur players from across the region. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

The one-day tournament will be played in the Stableford format, allowing golfers of varying handicaps to compete fairly while maximizing participation and excitement on the lush Kisii course. The format awards points based on net scores per hole, ensuring competitive balance across all divisions.

Club Captain Adrian Monari expressed confidence in the club’s readiness to host the prestigious event, noting the steady rise of Kisii Sports Club as a preferred destination for major golf tournaments.

“We are proud to welcome over 100 golfers for the CBK tournament. Over the years, Kisii Sports Club has grown tremendously, both in infrastructure and reputation. Under our current leadership, we have positioned the club as a hub for major golf events in the region. This tournament is a testament to that progress and our commitment to growing the game,” said Monari.

Participants will battle for top honors in multiple categories, including the coveted Overall Winner title. The tournament will also recognize the Men’s Winner and Ladies’ Winner, alongside 1st and 2nd Runners-Up in the main categories.

Competition will be further segmented into Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3, each featuring Winners, 1st Runners-Up, and 2nd Runners-Up. Additional accolades will be awarded for Guest Winner and Guest Runners-Up, Sponsor Winner with 1st and 2nd Runners-Up, as well as Senior Winner and Junior Winner.

Skill-based prizes will spice up the contest, with awards for Longest Drive (Men and Ladies), Nearest to the Pin, and Best Effort, ensuring every participant has something to play for.

Sophie Ongalo, CBK Kisii Centre Manager, has also assured the Golfers of a practical learning experience through the DhowCSD platform on investing in Treasury Bills and Bonds. Empowering Golfers with both knowledge and confidence in government securities.

Under Monari’s stewardship, the club has strengthened its tournament calendar, improved course standards, and attracted high-profile sponsors, cementing its status as a competitive golfing venue in the country.

The February 28 tournament is expected to boost local sports tourism while offering golfers a professionally organized and highly competitive experience in the heart of Kisii County.

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.