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.

Kate Ngotho, Overall Ladies winner receives her winner’s prize from NCBA Group MD John Gachora during the NCBA Golf Series at Karen Country Club

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Home players Nick Markham and Kate Ngotho emerged as the overall winners at the latest leg of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series held at Karen Country Club on Saturday, as golfers competed for top honours and coveted spots at the Series Grand Finale scheduled for later this year. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Markham claimed the Overall Men’s title after returning an impressive score of 75 gross in a competitive field that featured some of the country’s top club golfers.

Speaking after his victory, Markham expressed his delight at the win and securing his place at the season-ending finale.

“It feels fantastic to win this leg of the series. I had a good round and had great playing partners. My putter didn’t work quite well today and I feel I could have gone lower, but I am happy with my round today. Qualifying for the Grand Finale is a validation that my game is going in the right direction, and I am excited to see where the next step can take us,” said Markham.

Karen Country Club’s Nick Markham tees off during his home club’s leg of the NCBA Golf Series.

In the ladies’ category, Kate Ngotho emerged as the Overall Lady Winner after carding 89 gross on countback, capping off a significant personal milestone after a challenging previous season.

“I am so excited to have emerged top because last year was quite a struggle, so I am very happy to have gotten through this round. Qualifying for the finale means that I get the opportunity to compete against many other players from other clubs and prove that I am the best lady player,” said Ngotho.

Paul Kaguamba finished as the Men’s Runner-Up after posting 77 gross on countback, while Margareta Gram claimed the Ladies’ Runner-Up prize with 89 gross on countback.

In the Division One category, Kiunjuri Mathu emerged victorious after returning an outstanding 84 gross score. Liban Roba finished third on 77 gross on countback, while Lesaan Shani took fourth place with 78 gross on countback.

The Division Two categories saw Edwin Nyairo claim the Men’s title with an impressive 43 points, while Jacintah Wambugu secured the Ladies’ honours after carding 38 points.

In Division Three, junior golfer Mutei Mwendwa won the Men’s category with 38 points, while Susan Kihato topped the Ladies’ category with 41 points.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa follows the path of his tee shot during the NCBA Golf Series at Karen Country Club.

Speaking after the tournament, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the continued growth of the Series reflects the increasing popularity of golf across the country and the value of creating opportunities for golfers of all abilities to compete.

“The NCBA Golf Series continues to provide a platform where golfers can challenge themselves, connect with one another and enjoy the game at some of the country’s best courses. We are encouraged by the strong participation we continue to witness across the Series and remain committed to supporting the growth of golf while creating opportunities for more players to experience and enjoy the sport,” said Gachora.

The event marked the sixteenth qualifier of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series calendar, which has attracted thousands of golfers across the country this season. Winners from the various categories earned qualification spots to the highly anticipated Grand Finale set for November at Karen Country Club.

The Series forms part of NCBA’s broader commitment to supporting golf development in Kenya through investments across junior, amateur, professional and club golf.