Luther Kamau in action at the Great Rift Valley Lodge on Saturday

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

David Kiragu put up a strong fight to emerge the 2025 NCBA Tea Fields Trophy champion on Sunday as the KAGC Series pitched camp in Kericho. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Kiragu scored 3-over-par 219 to finish ahead of Elly Barno and Elvis Muigua, who were tied on 6-over-par 222 as defending champion, Titus Okwong from Uganda, played four strokes more to finish on 10-over-par 226.

The Muthaiga Golf Club player carded 77 in the first round on Friday but played seven strokes less on Saturday to finish the second round 2-under-par 70. On Sunday, he managed to play even par to finish first and dethrone Okwong.

On his part, Barno played rounds of 75, 76, and 71 while Muigua carded 74, 75, and 73 across the three days.

Daniel Kiragu hoisted high after winning the NCBA Tea Fields Trophy

Next on the KAGC calendar is the Nyanza Open – Hippo Pot set to tee off this Friday, 10th October, through to Sunday 12th at the Nyanza Golf Club.

Elsewhere, Luther Kamau and Nancy Steinmann will lead the Great Rift Valley Lodge contingent to the 2025 NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale set for November 28th following their triumphs during the club’s qualifying leg on Saturday.

Kamau, playing off scratch, fired a standout round of 74 gross to secure the overall men’s gross crown at the par-71 course, while Steinmann posted a gross score of 94 to claim the top women’s gross honor.

“It was a good outing and I am happy with the score I posted. I look forward to an even better performance during the grand finale at the Muthaiga Golf Club next month,” an elated Kamau said.

Nyambura Muigai, Stuart Scott, Doug McIntyre, and Prince Moreno are the other members from the club who are set to feature at the main showdown at Muthaiga Golf Club next month.

Luther Kamau (l) awarded by NCBA Naivasha Branch Manager Frank Matheah

Nyambura (handicap 19) posted 30 points to win the ladies’ category as Scott’s (handicap 17) 32 points saw him win the men’s category. Mcintyre topped Division 3 with 35 points, playing off 28 with Moreno delivering an impressive 35 points off 19 to win the junior category.

The 2025 series is in its final stretch ahead of the grand finale showdown, with Muthaiga set to host the final major qualifying leg at the start of November before paving way for the finale showdown later in the month.

Diamond Leisure Lodge, Nyeri Golf Club, Nyahururu Golf Club, and Kericho Golf Club are set to host mini qualifiers in the form of club mugs, offering more opportunities for golfers to clinch their tickets.

Michael Karanga receives his trophy from KGU Chairman Chris Kinuthia after winning the 2025 NCBA Nanyuki Open

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The inaugural NCBA Nanyuki Open 2025 concluded in thrilling fashion at the scenic Nanyuki Sports Club, with Michael Karanga capturing the tournament’s first-ever title. The event, which drew 74 top amateurs with a handicap limit of 13.5, delivered on its promise of world-class golf against the backdrop of Mt. Kenya. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Karanga, currently ranked 70th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, showcased his trademark consistency and sharp play to outlast a competitive field. Among the top contenders were John Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, and Ebill Omollo, who pushed the champion all the way in a fiercely contested tournament.

The championship featured a prize purse of Kes 500,000, underscoring the NCBA Nanyuki Open’s growing stature and solidifying its place on the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit. Beyond the competition, the event spotlighted Nanyuki Sports Club’s rich golfing tradition, challenging course, and panoramic views, while also offering fans a weekend of sport, community, and hospitality.

During the prize-giving ceremony, the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) announced the four-man national team set to represent the country at the Africa Region IV Championship in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from 25th to 29th November 2025.

The team includes:

• John Lejirma (Captain) – Reigning Kenya No. 1, ranked 74th in the WAGR. Winner of seven KAGC titles this season.Michael Karanga – Ranked 70th WAGR, winner of five titles this year including the Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship, securing him a spot at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.
• Elvis Muigua – Three-time champion this year, currently ranked 418th WAGR.
• Junaid Ayaz Manji – Kenya’s top junior golfer, ranked 822nd WAGR, with two titles in 2025 and captain of the junior team at the All Africa Junior Golf Team Championship.

The same trio of Lejirma, Karanga, and Muigua delivered victory for Kenya in Kigali last year. With Junaid now strengthening the side, confidence is high for a successful title defense under Coach Saleem Haji.

Speaking after the announcement, the KGU Chairman said:

“This team reflects the strength and depth of Kenyan golf at both senior and junior levels. We are confident they will rise to the occasion and bring the trophy back home.”

Karanga, celebrating both his Nanyuki Open victory and his place on the national team, added:

“Winning the inaugural NCBA Nanyuki Open is a proud moment. I’m equally honored to represent Kenya once again, and we are determined to make the country proud in Madagascar.”

With the success of the NCBA Nanyuki Open, the Kenya Golf Union and NCBA Group have set a strong foundation for the event to become a permanent fixture on the KAGC calendar, promising even greater competition and opportunities for Kenya’s golfing talent in the years to come.