Team Kenya exude confidence ahead of Junior Golf World Cup return after 26 years

Team Kenya has expressed confidence and determination ahead of the 2026 Toyota Junior Golf World Cup set to take place from Sunday, 5 to Thursday, 9 July at the prestigious Chukyo Golf Club, following an impressive qualification campaign at the All-Africa Junior Team Championship at Windsor.

Kenya’s boys team booked their place at the global showpiece after finishing runners-up at the continental championship held at Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, marking the country’s first qualification for the World Cup since 2001.

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South Africa claimed the continental title, with both nations now set to represent Africa in Japan against the world’s leading junior golf nations.

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The Toyota Junior Golf World Cup will be played over 72 holes of stroke play across four days, with the best two scores from each nation’s three-player team counting toward the overall team standings each day.

Speaking during the 2026 NCBA Kenya Junior Strokeplay Championship closing ceremony at Muthaiga Golf Club on Friday, members of Team Kenya said they are ready to embrace the challenge and proudly represent the country on the international stage.

Yuvraj Rajput, who was part of the qualifying team, said the recent continental championship had sharpened his focus and hunger ahead of Japan.

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“It was a tough event. I didn’t play my best the first two days and was still trying to find my swing, but I fought back strongly. I’ve learned a lot from that experience, especially around course management and decision-making.

We are going to try our best in Japan, prepare well, and give everything for Kenya,” Rajput offered.

He added that consistent opportunities for young players had driven the rapid growth of junior golf in Kenya.

“Junior Golf Foundation is doing an amazing job. If you look at junior golf two years ago and where it is now, the standards and scores are much better. Opportunities to compete regularly have really helped us improve.”

Fellow Team Kenya player Mwathi Gicheru said qualification for Japan was both an honour and motivation to raise Kenya’s profile globally.

“We were proud to represent Kenya at such a high level, and qualifying for Japan was a huge reward for all the hard work. Playing against top players in Africa taught us a lot and showed us the level required to compete internationally," he admits.

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He recalled his birdie on the 18th hole during the All Africa Championship as a defining moment in helping Kenya secure qualification.

“That last hole was special. To make birdie with the team, depending on it, was a proud moment. There is pressure when you are carrying the hopes of a country, but we are grateful for the opportunity and ready for the next challenge.”

Mwathi also credited sustained support structures for helping players develop.

“I have to thank NCBA for supporting so many junior tournaments over the years. Since I started playing, I have seen NCBA backing junior golf consistently.

That support has truly helped grow the game and given many of us the platform to improve.”

NCBA Deputy Director and Head of Brand Jacquie Muhati said seeing young golfers progress from local events to international competition validates the investment being made in junior golf.

“The team’s performance at the All Africa Junior Team Championship was outstanding. Finishing second in Africa and qualifying for Japan is a proud achievement.

What is especially rewarding is seeing players like Kanana, Mwathi, and Junaid, who have grown through the JGF Junior Series, now carrying Kenya’s flag to the world stage. These are the moments that show the value of investing in young talent," Muhati said.

Her remarks came as the 2026 NCBA Kenya Junior Strokeplay Championship concluded in thrilling fashion at Muthaiga Golf Club.

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Tsevi Soni claimed the boys’ overall title after edging Rajput in a dramatic contest that went down to the final hole. With both players level heading into the 18th, Tsevi calmly holed a decisive par putt to win with a total of 292 (+8), while Rajput finished one shot behind on 293 (+9) after a bogey on the closing hole.

In the girls’ division, Kanana Muthomi delivered a composed and consistent performance to secure the Overall Girl Winner title with 294 (+10), finishing an impressive third overall in the combined field.

Other category winners included Mikael Kihara and Cherise Wachira in the 19–21 years division, while Rajput and Belinda Wanjiru topped the 16–18 years categories.