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.

Jay Sandhu poses after winning the NCBA Windsor Classic

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The fifth leg of the 2026 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series, the NCBA Muthaiga Open, will take place this weekend from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22 at the prestigious Muthaiga Golf Club. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

A competitive field of 145 golfers is expected to tee off in the three-day championship, including 15 junior golfers, underlining the growing depth of talent within Kenya’s amateur golf ranks.

Fresh from victory at the fourth leg of the series, the Windsor Classic held at Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, Jay Sandhu will be among the players to watch this weekend. Sandhu will enjoy home advantage as he returns to compete at his home course at Muthaiga, where he will be seeking to build on the momentum from his recent triumph.

Junior golfers will also be keen to continue their impressive performances following last weekend’s event at Windsor. Kanana Muthomi emerged as one of the standout performers, finishing third overall on three over par 219, a result that highlighted the rising influence of junior players in the national amateur circuit.

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

The NCBA Muthaiga Open is expected to deliver high-level competition across all rounds, with players battling not only for the title but also valuable points on the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series standings as the race for season honours intensifies.

Junaid Manji leads the standings having won the opening leg at Sigona Golf Club alongside a fifth-place finish at Windsor last weekend to take his points tally for the season so far to 334, followed by Sandhu and Rafael Leming’ani on second and third respectively.

The weekend will also see the spotlight extend to junior golf development through two Junior Golf Foundation Kenya events taking place.

Speaking ahead of the weekend events, NCBA GMD John Gachora reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting golf across all levels.

John Lejirma in action during the 2025 NCBA Nyali Open

“Through our continued support for amateur and junior tournaments such as the Muthaiga Open and the Junior Golf Foundation events this weekend, we remain committed to nurturing talent and strengthening the growth of golf in Kenya. It is encouraging to see increasing participation from both elite amateurs and juniors, which speaks to the bright future of the sport,” he said.

On Friday, March 20, the NCBA Interschool Golf Tournament will be held at Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, bringing together young golfers from various schools in a competitive format designed to nurture emerging talent.

That will be followed by the NCBA US Kids Golf Spring Local Tour – Nairobi set to take place at the Karen Country Club on Saturday, March 20, attracting players to compete across different age classifications, both boys and girls.