NCBA Golf Series Heads To Thika As Nyali Hosts Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship
Jacob Chacha, Captain of the Kenya Airforce Golf Club during the NCBA Golf Series. PHOTO/ NCBA
NAIROBI, Kenya- Thika Sports Club will this Saturday, 3rd August 2024 host the latest leg of the ongoing NCBA Golf Series that kicked off in March.
Over 200 golfers from Thika Sports Club and neighboring clubs will battle it out on the challenging par-72 course for top honors and the coveted opportunity to represent their club at the Series Grand Finale. The action-packed day will commence at 7:00 AM.
John Gachora, NCBA Group Managing Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its role in fostering community and strengthening relationships.
“We are delighted to bring the NCBA Golf Series to the vibrant Thika Sports Club. These events are more than just golf competitions; they are platforms for building connections and demonstrating our commitment to our stakeholders. We anticipate a fantastic day of golf, filled with excitement and sportsmanship,” Gachora said.
Sharing in the excitement, the Thika Sports Club Captain Moses Gatonye, expressed confidence in hosting a successful tournament. “We are honored to welcome the NCBA Golf Series to our club. Our members are thrilled to participate, and we have prepared the course meticulously to provide a challenging yet enjoyable experience for all players. We extend our gratitude to NCBA for their continued support,” said Gatonye.
The 18-hole Thika Sports Club boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the sport of golf. Established in 1922, the club has been a cornerstone of the golfing community in the region. With its well-manicured course and welcoming atmosphere, it has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments over the years including the annual Winston Churchill Tournament.
The NCBA tournament follows the 9th leg of the series held this past weekend at the 9-hole Kenya Airforce Golf Club which attracted a field of 97 golfers. Harun Wanyama, playing off a handicap of 4, secured claimed the Division One title with a total of 40 points. He was followed closely by Major Elvis Murunga, who finished as the runner-up with 37 points, playing off a handicap 6.
In the Division Two Men’s category, Wally Bitok, playing off a handicap of 17, clinched the top spot with a commendable score of 46 points as Jacob Chacha, with a handicap of 20, finished second with 43 points.
At the same time, Carol Nthiwa, playing off a handicap of 23, dominated the Division Two Ladies’ category, securing victory with a score of 33 points, beating Damaris Kikwal (handicap 21) who finished second with 32 points.
Col. Henry Mwereneru, playing off a handicap of 50, reigned supreme in Division Three, with a score of 49 points while the Junior category was won by Hakeem Mutungi (handicap 21), who impressed with a score of 28 points.
Kenya Railway Golf CLub’s Dorris Night in action during the NCBA Golf Series at the Kenya Airforce Golf Club yesterday. PHOTO/ NCBA
Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship Set for Nyali Golf and Country Club
Meanwhile, the 47th Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship is poised to take center stage from August 1st to August 4th, 2024, at the prestigious Nyali Golf and Country Club. This year’s event has attracted 96 players drawn from Ethiopia, India, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and the host nation, Kenya.
The championship, dubbed “Kenyatta Memorial Bowl” is held in memory of Kenya’s first President, the Late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. The trophy was first presented in 1978 by KGU’s first African Chairman Chris Kahara in 1978/79 and Col. M.J. Harbage the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairperson in 1977/78.
Among the prominent players to watch are: Michael Karanga of Kiambu Golf Club, known for his precise play and consistent performance. Michael Alunga from Uganda, a formidable competitor with a reputation for clutch performances. Adel Balala, a local favorite and one of Kenya’s top amateur golfers. John Lejirma of Railway Golf Club, currently holding the title of Kenya’s top amateur golfer.
The champion of this year’s tournament will secure an automatic spot in the 2025 Magical Kenya Open. This coveted prize provides a significant platform for emerging talents to advance their careers and gain international recognition. So far Michael Alunga has secured his slot after winning the 2024 NCBA Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship.
Additionally, the performance is important for the golfers as it counts towards their Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) points and WARG ranking
‘We extend our heartfelt thanks to NCBA for their generous sponsorship, which has made this event possible. Their unwavering support highlights their commitment to fostering talent and promoting sports excellence in Kenya and beyond. Additionally, we are deeply grateful to Nyali Golf and Country Club for hosting this prestigious event and providing a world-class venue for our golfers.’ Said the tournament director, Chris Kinuthia
