Muthaiga Golf Club’s Jay Sandhu celebrates after winning the 2026 NCBA Muthaiga Open title.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Home player Jay Sandhu has been crowned the winner of the 2026 NCBA Muthaiga Open, the fifth leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Fresh from his victory at the Windsor Classic, Sandhu maintained his blistering form over the three-round tournament, carding rounds of 69, 70, and 72 for a total of 2-under par 211 and successfully fending off a competitive field of 145 elite amateur golfers, that included fifteeen juniors, four of whom made the cut to play the final round

Despite bogeys on the 10th, 13th, and 14th holes during the final round, Sandhu secured his lead with critical birdies on the 4th and 18th.

Speaking after his triumph, Sandhu said: “Winning here at Muthaiga is always special, but to do it back-to-back after Windsor feels incredible. The course was playing fast, and I knew I had to stay patient when those bogeys crept in on the back nine. This win isn’t just about the trophy; it’s about the momentum we’re building for next year’s Magical Kenya Open qualification.”

Sandhu secured the top prize of Ksh 115,600 from the Ksh 400,000 purse.

The battle for second was equally intense. John Lejirma of Royal Nairobi Golf Club pushed the pace with an aggressive final round of 71. Lejirma’s scorecard was the most active of the day, featuring five birdies on holes 6, 7, 12, 15 and the 18th. However, five bogeys prevented him from catching Sandhu, leaving him at level par 213 (69, 73, 71) for the tournament, taking home Ksh 69,400.

2026 NCBA Muthaiga Open champion Jay Sandhu poses with his trophy.

Reflecting on his runner-up finish, Lejirma, who is the KAGC overall defending champion noted: “It was a fight from the first tee to the last green. I felt like I had the birdies in me today, but a few dropped shots especially on the par-4s kept the lead just out of reach. Two shots is a small margin at Muthaiga, but I’m happy with how I’m striking the ball. I can only hope to improve moving forward to other tournaments.”

Rounding out the podium was Michael Karanga who showed remarkable consistency and improvement throughout the weekend, carding rounds of 73, 71, and a final-day 70. His 1-under par final round was one of the best of the day, moving him into third place with a total of 1-over par 214. He earned Ksh 46,200 for his efforts.

Muthaiga’s Daniel Kiragu secured fourth place with a 3-over par 216, while Bo Ciera rounded out the top five at 4-over par 217.

Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony NCBA Ciata Mall Branch Manager Emmanuel Leitemu stated: At NCBA, we are incredibly happy to support the growth of golf in Kenya. Watching Jay Sandhu maintain his form and seeing the grit of players like Lejirma and Warigia confirms that the standard of the KAGC is reaching new heights. The circuit is growing stronger with every leg, and we are proud to provide a platform where every performance brings these athletes closer to their professional dreams.

With this win, Jay Sandhu extends his lead at the top of the standings with 560 points. Junior star Junaid Manji sits in second with 334 points, followed closely by John Lejirma in third with 230 points.

Cherono Kipkorir in action during the Royal Nairobi Golf Club NCBA Golf Series qualifier.

By AMANDA DAMARIS

The NCBA Golf Series heads to Mt Kipipiri Golf Club this weekend for the fifth leg of the 2026 campaign, marking the first time ever the series will be played at the newly established course.

The golf club, which was opened last year in February, will see at least 80 players grace the course for the club’s monthly mug seeking top honours and valuable historic qualification slots to the season-ending Grand Finale. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Qualification to the Grand Finale, set to be held later in the year at the prestigious Karen Country Club, will be earned by the Overall Gross Winner, Men’s Gross Winner, Lady Gross Winner, Division 2 Men Winner, Division 2 Lady Winner, Division 3 Winner, and the leading Junior.

The inclusion of Mt Kipipiri Golf Club’s Mug in the 2026 calendar as a mini-qualifier signals NCBA’s continued commitment to expanding the sports reach across the country.

Speaking ahead of the Mt Kipipiri leg, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to deepening the reach of the series and supporting the growth of golf across the country.

Pro Brian Njoroge makes ceremonial tee off during the NCBA Golf Series Launch at Karen Country Club.

“This is a special moment for us as a series,” said Gachora. “Taking the NCBA Golf Series to Mt Kipipiri Golf Club for the very first time reflects our deliberate effort to support emerging golf destinations and give players fresh competitive experiences. We are proud to be part of the club’s journey so early in its history.”

Mt Kipipiri leg follows a highly competitive coastal outing at Mombasa Golf Club where Edwin Kiptoo returned an impressive 72 nett to clinch the Division A title. Playing off handicap 11, Kiptoo edged out Sheel Dodhia on 73 nett, while Peter Kimanga completed the podium with 75 nett.

Division B honours went to Martin Irungu, who carded 71 nett to win on countback ahead of Sam Muraya, also on 71 nett, with Johnson Muriuki placing third on 77 nett. In Division C, Rana Umair produced a standout performance to take top honours, while Gurbux Singh claimed the Best Gross award with an 83 gross score.

The Mt Kipipiri chapter follows successful stops at Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Kericho Golf Club, Muthaiga Golf Club, and recently Mombasa Golf Club.