NCBA Kiambu Open set for thrilling amateur showdown

The stage is set for the NCBA Kiambu Open, scheduled to take place from Friday, 8 to Sunday, 10, May, at Kiambu Golf Club, with a new champion expected to be crowned following the departure of past winners Michael Karanga and Naomi Wafula to the professional ranks.

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The tournament, a key fixture on the Kenya Amateur Golf Circuit calendar, comes with heightened anticipation as the circuit approaches its midpoint. Players are aiming to strengthen their positions on the Order of Merit standings while also competing for a share of the Ksh500,000 prize purse.

Karanga, who won the previous two editions, recently turned professional, while Wafula, who claimed the 2023 title, made her move to the professional ranks last year. Their absence has opened up the field, setting the stage for a highly competitive showdown among the country’s top amateur golfers.

Leading the contenders is Kenya Amateur Golf Circuit Order of Merit leader Jay Sandhu of Muthaiga Golf Club, who tops the standings with 560 points following strong performances, including victories at the NCBA Windsor Classic and the NCBA Muthaiga Open.

Also in contention is junior golfer Junaid Manji, who sits second on the Order of Merit with 334 points and has impressed with consistent performances this season. Ndumberi Golf Club’s Elvis Muigua is also expected to mount a strong challenge as he seeks to establish himself among the leading amateurs.

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The Kiambu Open follows closely on the heels of the NCBA Trans Nzoia Open Championship played last month, where Geoffrey Kariuki produced a fine performance to clinch the title after rounds of 79, 71, and 75.

Meanwhile, the NCBA Golf Series continues its nationwide circuit with Eldoret Golf Club set to host the latest leg this weekend. The event is expected to attract a strong field from the North Rift region, all competing for top honours and qualification slots for the NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale scheduled for November at Karen Country Club.

Adding to the excitement, the event will also feature a JCB backhoe loader hole-in-one prize courtesy of construction and agricultural machinery dealers JCB Ganatra. The challenge will be staged on the par-3 18th hole at the Eldoret course.

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Speaking ahead of the upcoming events, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the growth of golf in the country.

“As we approach the midpoint of the amateur golf circuit, events like the NCBA Kiambu Open continue to play a key role in shaping competition and giving players an opportunity to rise through the ranks.

At the same time, the NCBA Golf Series allows us to engage golfers across the country, as we will see this weekend in Eldoret. Together, these platforms are important in growing the game, supporting talent, and strengthening the golfing community,” he said.

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