NCBA Kabete Open 2026 Champion John Kamaisi with his trophy.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Nakuru Golf Club’s John Kamaisi claimed the 2026 NCBA Kabete Open title on Sunday after producing a composed final-round performance to seal his second victory of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) season at VetLab Sports Club. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Kamaisi carded a one-over-par 73 in the final round to finish on a three-over-par total of 219, following earlier rounds of 74 and 72. His consistent display saw him remain in contention from the opening round and fend off a strong field of 130 golfers from across East Africa.

The victory follows his triumph at the NCBA Kiambu Open earlier this season and sees him rise to the top of the KAGC Order of Merit standings with 736 points after 13 events, overtaking Muthaiga Golf Club’s Jay Sandhu, who now moves to second on 630 points.

For his victory, Kamaisi received KES 115,600 from the tournament’s KES 500,000 prize purse.

Speaking after lifting the trophy, Kamaisi said: “I’m delighted to win the NCBA Kabete Open. It’s one of the toughest tournaments on the KAGC calendar, so to come out on top against such a strong field is very satisfying. I stayed patient throughout the three rounds, trusted my game, and I’m happy it paid off. Going top of the Order of Merit gives me confidence heading into the next stretch of the season, but there’s still a lot of golf to be played.”

NCBA Kabete Open 2026 Champion John Kamaisi in action during the final round of the NCBA Kabete Open at VetLab Sports Club

VetLab Sports Club’s Ebill Omollo finished second after closing with a one-over-par 73 for a tournament total of six-over-par 222. The NCBA Coronation & Bendor Trophy champion, who was among the title contenders throughout the week, earned KES 69,400 for his runner-up finish.

Reflecting on his performance, Omollo said: “It was a competitive tournament and I’m pleased with how I fought throughout the weekend. Of course, everyone comes here aiming to win, but finishing second keeps me in a good position as we head into the next events. I’ll take the positives from this week, keep working on my game, and look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Third place was shared by Jay Sandhu of Muthaiga Golf Club and VetLab’s Kushagra Sharma, who both finished on eight-over-par 224. Sandhu posted rounds of 81, 71 and 72, while Sharma returned rounds of 74, 78 and 72. Each received KES 40,000.

Speaking after the championship, Kenya Golf Union Vice-Chairman Jonathan Marucha praised the quality of competition witnessed throughout the tournament and the continued growth of the KAGC circuit.

“The NCBA Kabete Open once again demonstrated the high standard of amateur golf we continue to witness on the KAGC circuit. The quality of competition has been exceptional, and it’s encouraging to see both established players and emerging talent consistently raising the level of the game.”

Muthaiga Golf CLub elite amateur Jay Sandhu tees off during the final round of the NCBA Kabete Open at VetLab Sports Club.

“As we head into the Coast Open and the Kenya Swing, we expect the competition to become even more intense as players battle for valuable Order of Merit and World Amateur Golf Ranking points. We thank NCBA for its continued support, which has been instrumental in strengthening the amateur game and providing golfers with quality competitive opportunities throughout the season.”

Following the Kabete Open, the KAGC circuit now heads to Nyali Golf & Country Club for the NCBA Coast Open next weekend from July 3 to 5.

Attention will then shift to the highly anticipated Kenya Swing, beginning with the Limuru Open & Brackenhurst Trophy at Limuru Country Club from July 17 to 19, followed by the Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Royal Nairobi Golf Club from July 23 to 26, before concluding with the Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship from July 30 to August 2.

The Swing tournaments are expected to play a decisive role in the race for the KAGC title, with valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and Order of Merit points on offer as players battle for supremacy in the second half of the season.

Muthaiga Golf Club’s Jay Sandhu in action during the 2026 NCBA Muthaiga Open.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit continues this weekend with a strong field of 130 golfers set to descend on VetLab Sports Club for the 13th edition of the NCBA Kabete Open. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

The tournament, which will be played from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28, is one of the most competitive events on the KAGC calendar and is expected to attract some of the region’s leading amateur golfers as they battle for the title, valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, Order of Merit points, and a share of the KES 500,000 prize purse.

Played over 54 holes in a stroke-play format, all competitors will play the opening 36 holes before the field is cut to the top 33 players and ties for the final round. The winner will walk away with KES 115,000.

Adel Taufiq Balala follows his shot during the 2025 NCBA Kabete Open.

The championship has attracted players from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, underlining the growing stature of the KAGC circuit as one of East Africa’s premier amateur golf competitions.

Leading the field is current KAGC Order of Merit leader Jay Sandhu of Muthaiga Golf Club, alongside fellow Muthaiga’s and recent NCBA Ruiru Open champion Eugene Wafula.

Also expected to challenge strongly are NCBA Coronation & Bendor Trophy winner Ebill Omollo, NCBA Ronald Marshall & Toby Gibson Matchplay champion Elvis Muigua, and Kiambu Open winner John Kamaisi.

Former champion Adel Balala will also be seeking a return to winning ways at a venue where he has enjoyed dominance over the recent years. The Nyali Golf & Country Club golfer won the Kabete Open in 2021, 2022, and again in 2024, and will be looking to add a fourth title to his impressive record.

Regional interest will be led by reigning 2026 NCBA Goldfields Trophy champion Hitayezu Jean D’Amour of Rwanda, who arrives in Nairobi fresh from his victory in Kakamega last weekend. He will be joined by fellow Rwandans Felix Dusabe, Alain Niyonkuru, Jacques Byiringiro, and Didas Kamusumari.

Uganda has also assembled a formidable contingent led by Abraham Olupot, Michael Tumusiime, Godfrey Kambale, Cosmas Ocitti, Samuel Bazaale, and Elton Thembo, all of whom will be seeking to challenge for honours.

NCBA Kiambu Open champion John Kamaisi in action at Kiambu Golf Club.

The tournament is guaranteed to crown a new champion after defending champion Pranay Kapur of Royal Johannesburg Golf Club opted not to return to defend his title. Kapur won the 2025 edition after edging a strong field to become the first foreign golfer to lift the trophy.

The event comes at a crucial stage of the KAGC season, with players chasing valuable Order of Merit points as the race for honours intensifies approaching the midpoint of the championship calendar.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said:

“The NCBA Kabete Open has consistently attracted some of the strongest fields on the amateur circuit, and this year’s championship is no exception. The quality of players assembled this week reflects the continued growth of amateur golf in Kenya and across the region. We are proud to support platforms that provide golfers with opportunities to compete, develop their talent, and progress their careers.”

The NCBA Kabete Open forms part of NCBA’s broader commitment to supporting golf development across the region through sustained investment in junior, amateur, professional, and club golf.