Sandhu building momentum for Kenya Open as KAGC gathers pace
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 25.03.26. | 21:44
Victory over the weekend extends his lead at the top of the standings with 560 points
Home player Jay Sandhu was, this weekend, crowned the winner of the 2026 NCBA Muthaiga Open, the fifth leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit.
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.
He successfully fended off a competitive field of 145 elite amateur golfers, that included 15 juniors, four of whom made the cut to play the final round.
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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.
"Winning 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 offered.
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.
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However, five bogeys prevented him from catching Sandhu, leaving him at level par 213 (69, 73, 71) for the tournament.
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 on the final round, 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 final day, moving him into third place with a total of 1-over par 214.
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.
With this win, 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 Lejirma in third with 230 points.
