Sigona Bowl success huge motivation for Michael Karanga ahead of busy season
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 27.01.25. | 14:44
Karanga has already secured his spot in this year’s Magical Kenya Open and the Africa Amateur Championship
Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) defending champion Michael Karanga has set his sights on repeating his feat on the local golfing scene while also chasing glory on the international stage after opening his season with a dominant show at Sigona Bowl.
The top amateur golfer overcame initial setbacks to clinch the championship-opening event, with an impressive score of 212, finishing 4-under-par across three rounds.
Playing in rounds of 74, 68, and 72 across the three days, Karanga managed to ward off early leader Kellie Gachaga and Nyali’s Adel Balala for victory, taking home Ksh104,000 in prize money.
“I plan to defend my titles and claim the ones I didn’t win last season,” Karanga who has won the last two championship titles offered after his exploits at the 66th edition of the event hosted at Sigona Golf Club.
Karanga has already secured his spot in this year’s Magical Kenya Open DP World Tour slated for Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 February.
He is also headed for the Africa Amateur Championship at Leopard Creek Country Club in Mpumalanga, South Africa from Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 February, where he hopes to carry the same momentum.
The latter presents the Kenyan contingent of eight men and four women a chance for a spot in the prestigious British Open.
At Sigona, Nyali Golf and Country Club’s Balala secured second place after returning a one-over-par 217, finishing five strokes behind Karanga. The national team golfer opened his competition with a 74, improving to 72 in the second round, and concluding with a steady 71 on the final day.
Kenya Railway Golf Club’s John Lejirma claimed third place, finishing with a total score of 220 (+4). Lejirma faced a tough start with a 77 in the opening round but fought back with solid rounds of 75 and a brilliant 68 to finish strong.
Karen Country Club’s Gachaga, who had taken the early lead with a solid 70 in the opening round, faced challenges in maintaining her momentum. She posted scores of 80 and 72 in the subsequent rounds, ultimately finishing fourth, six-over-par 222.
The win earned Karanga 96 points toward the KAGC Order of Merit. The next event in the 31-tournament series will be the Mt. Kenya Championship in Nyeri.
Additional reporting by Golf Score Ke
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