NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora during the NCBA Golf Series at Limuru Country Club

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Francis Kimani and Jackie Sirat emerged as the top winners at the Limuru Country Club leg of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series held on Saturday, as golfers continued the race for qualification to the Grand Finale scheduled for November at Karen Country Club. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

The event attracted a strong field of 249 golfers drawn from Limuru and various clubs across the country, with players competing in different categories during one of the most anticipated legs of the series so far.

Playing off handicap one, Francis Kimani carded an impressive 72 gross to clinch the Overall Men Winner title after a composed round on the challenging Limuru course.

Francis Kimani expressed delight after his victory: “It feels great to come out on top in such a competitive field. Limuru is always a challenging course, so staying focused and consistent throughout the round was very important for me. I’m happy with how I played and excited to have secured qualification to the Grand Finale,” he said.

In the ladies’ category, Jackie Sirat, playing off handicap 11, returned 90 gross to emerge Overall Lady Winner.

Speaking after the event, Sirat said: “The competition today was very good and the course was in great condition. I am very happy with my performance and grateful for the opportunity to compete in the NCBA Golf Series. Qualifying for the Grand Finale is very exciting, and I look forward to the next challenge,” she said.

Francis Kimani, the Overall Men Winner (L) of the NCBA Golf Series Limuru Country Club leg receives his award from NCBA Limuru Branch Manager James Mburu

Joseph Ikanyi, playing off handicap two, finished as the Men’s Runner-Up after carding 74 gross, while Julius Ngonga took third place with 78 gross. JN Kihanya completed the top four positions after returning 80 gross.

In the junior category, Hakeem Mutungi impressed with 81 gross to emerge winner, underlining the growing strength of junior golf within the series.

The Division Two Men title was claimed by K Mukuria after returning an excellent 39 points, while Patricia Naina emerged winner in the ladies’ category with 33 points.

In Division Three, Samuel Gitau playing off handicap 50 returned 39 points to take top honours.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, NCBA Limuru Branch Manager James Maina praised the level of competition witnessed during the event and reaffirmed NCBA’s commitment to supporting golf across the country.

“The NCBA Golf Series continues to grow from strength to strength, and today’s turnout and level of competition here at Limuru Country Club is a strong reflection of that progress. Beyond the golf, this series is about bringing communities together, building relationships, and creating opportunities for players across different levels of the game. At NCBA, we are proud to continue supporting platforms that help grow the sport while strengthening the spirit of togetherness guided by our Ubuntu philosophy,” he said.

The Limuru event adds to the growing momentum of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series, which continues to travel across the country bringing together golfers, supporting clubs, and nurturing talent at different levels of the game.

Greg Snow in action at the Theo Manyama Qualifying School – Final Stage in South Africa.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS 

Kenyan professional golfer Greg Snow has earned a coveted Sunshine Tour card for the 2026/27 season following an impressive performance at the Theo Manyama Qualifying School – Final Stage held from 25th to 29th March 2026 at Parys Golf & Country Estate and Vaal de Grace Golf Estate in South Africa. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Competing against a strong field of 178 players from across Africa and beyond, Snow delivered a composed and consistent display over the grueling 90-hole tournament that featured a cut after 72 holes for the top 65 players and ties to finish tied 21st at 15-under par 345.

He carded rounds of 68, 68, 67, 72 and 70 to secure a place among the top 25 players and ties, earning Sunshine Tour membership in Category 9. This category provides players with higher chances of entry into events, particularly when fields are oversubscribed.

On the final day, Snow opened with a 34 on the front nine, including birdies at the par-4 sixth and par-5 ninth. Despite back-to-back bogeys at holes 12 and 13, the experienced golfer recovered strongly with birdies at the par-4 17th and par-5 18th to record a strong finish.

Reflecting on the achievement, Snow said: “Securing my Sunshine Tour card for the 2026/2027 season is an incredible feeling. It’s something I’ve worked towards for a long time, so there’s a real sense of pride and relief knowing that the hard work has paid off. At the same time, it’s only the beginning. I see it as an opportunity to compete consistently at a high level, keep improving, and really test myself against some of the best players out there. I’m excited for what’s ahead, grateful for the support around me, and motivated to make the most of this next chapter.”

Snow earned the right to play in the final stage of Q School by finishing 5th in the Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit, which qualified him among the top 30 players for the 90-hole final qualifying event in South Africa.

On his decision to take part in Q School, Snow added: “Taking the leap to come to South Africa for Q School was driven by a belief in my game and a desire to compete at a higher level. I knew that if I wanted to grow and give myself the best opportunities, I had to step out of my comfort zone and test myself in a stronger, more competitive environment.”

The Muthaiga Golf Club player becomes the fourth player from the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing to secure a Sunshine Tour card for the 2026/27 season. He joins Njoroge Kibugu, Celestin Nsanzuwera and Dismas Indiza, who finished first, second and third respectively on the Order of Merit during the Tour’s inaugural season.

Speaking on Snow’s achievement, Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing Promoter Charles Gacheru praised the golfer’s consistency and highlighted the pathway the tour continues to create for regional talent.

“Greg’s achievement is a perfect example of what the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing was designed to do. It provides our players with a clear and competitive pathway to the Sunshine Tour and beyond. Finishing fifth on the Order of Merit and then going on to secure a tour card at the final stage of Q School shows the level of talent we have in this region,” Gacheru said. “For Greg, this is a well-deserved milestone. He has been one of the most consistent professionals in the region, and earning his Sunshine Tour card is both a reward for his persistence and a great moment for Kenyan golf. It also sends a strong message to upcoming players that if you perform well on the Development Tour, the opportunities to progress to the next level are very real,” he added.

He was one of three Sunshine Development Tour players in the field, having earned his place through the Tour. Rizwan Charania finished tied 114th after posting a total of 293 (+5), missing the cut to the final round, while Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo impressed with an 8-under par 352 to finish tied 56th. Although Rugumayo narrowly missed out on a Sunshine Tour card, his performance secured him Big Easy Tour membership, making him eligible to compete on both the Big Easy Tour and Sunshine Development Tour this season.

The tournament was won by Chile’s Agustín Errazuriz, who produced a dominant performance to finish at an outstanding 26-under par.

Looking ahead to the Sunshine Tour, Snow said: “I know it’s still early, but I’m really looking forward to competing week in and week out against such a strong field. The Sunshine Tour gives you the chance to test every part of your game, and that’s something I’m excited to embrace. I’m also looking forward to traveling, experiencing different courses, and learning how to adapt to different conditions. That’s where you really grow as a player. Most importantly, I’m excited to keep improving, put myself in contention, and hopefully give myself chances to win. It’s a big step up, but it’s exactly the kind of challenge I’ve been working towards.”

Reflecting on the impact of the Sunshine Development Tour, Snow noted: “I’d tell everyone back home that the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing is a genuine game changer for golfers in our region. It’s no longer just about dreaming of competing internationally; it’s about having a clear, structured pathway to get there. The Tour gives players consistent, high-level competition right on our doorstep, which is something we’ve always needed. You’re playing in professionally run events, under pressure, with ranking points and real consequences that’s exactly what prepares you for bigger stages. Further, it creates a direct link to the Sunshine Tour and beyond. If you perform well, you’re not just gaining confidence you’re earning status, opportunities, and exposure that can take you onto global tours like the DP World Tour.

Sunshine Development Tour Tournament Director David Kihara hailed Snow’s achievement as a strong endorsement of the Tour’s impact in developing competitive talent within the region.

“We’re really proud of what Greg has achieved this week. He handled the pressure impressively and showed real maturity in his game. You could see his confidence grow throughout the tournament, and it’s clear the work he’s been putting in is now paying off. This is a big step for him, and a strong signal of the progress we’re seeing in the game across the region,” said Kihara.

Snow’s success adds to the growing list of East African golfers making strides on the international stage, underlining the Sunshine Development Tour’s role as a critical bridge between regional competition and global professional golf.