Nakuru's John Kamais tops the field to win 2024 Nyanza Open Hippo Pot

John Kamais of Nakuru Golf Club has been crowned the 2024 Nyanza Open ‘Hippo Pot’ champion, solidifying his position among Kenya’s elite amateur golfers.

In a gripping three-day tournament held at the challenging Nyanza Golf Club, Kamais dethroned defending champion and national team captain John Lejirma of Kenya Railways Golf Club.

Kamais's victory in the Nyanza Open, part of the prestigious Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) series, not only earned him the highly sought-after title but also saw him collect a crucial 60 points.

Kamais showcased his consistency across three rounds, with scores of 70, 75, and 74, totaling 219 to finish at +9 overall.

His steady play in the first round saw him shoot 70, setting a solid foundation. Despite some difficulties in the second round, including bogeys on holes 6, 12, and 15, Kamais battled through to post a 75.

The final round saw him regain his rhythm, carding a 74. His performance on the back nine was particularly strong, managing birdies and solid pars to finish the tournament in style.

 Kamais remained resilient under pressure, especially in key moments on holes 4, 6, and 17. His ability to minimize mistakes and capitalize on opportunities on the greens made the difference.

Nyanza Golf Club is known for its tricky layout and weather conditions, with strong, unpredictable winds sweeping across the fairways from Lake Victoria, making it one of the more difficult courses in Kenya.

The course demands precision and strategic shot-making, and Kamais managed to handle these elements brilliantly.

Kamais acknowledged the difficulty of playing at Nyanza but attributed his victory to patience and focus.

"The course is always a challenge, especially with the winds coming off Lake Victoria. You have to be prepared for anything. One minute, it's calm, and the next, the wind can pick up and change the direction of your ball mid-flight," Kamais said after his victory.

He emphasized how he remained patient and focused, particularly during the second round, when many players were caught off guard by the gusty conditions.

“You can't rush a shot on this course. Each hole requires focus and a new strategy depending on how the wind plays. Thankfully, I was able to keep my composure through all three rounds,” Kamais added.

Behind every great golfer is often an equally great caddie, and Kamais made sure to give credit where it was due. His caddie, Fredrick Otieno, played a vital role in guiding him to victory. Kamais, who has played with Otieno for several years, noted that the caddie’s local knowledge of Nyanza Golf Club helped him avoid hazards and make critical decisions on club selection.

“I couldn't have done it without Fredrick. His advice on club selection, especially when the wind picked up, was spot-on. He knows this course inside out, and that was a huge advantage for us. I’m grateful to him for being by my side and helping me navigate this tricky course,” Kamais said with gratitude.

Otieno’s ability to read the greens and help Kamais maintain focus during key moments proved crucial, particularly in the final round, where Kamais shot a tournament-best 70 to seal the victory.

Defending champion and national team captain John Lejirma, who entered the tournament as a favorite, made an impressive comeback on the final day but fell just short.

Lejirma finished second with a total score of 221 (+11), only two shots behind Kamais. His final round of 70, which tied with Kamais for the best score of the day, showed his fighting spirit after a sluggish start in the first two rounds.

Lejirma struggled in the opening round, carding a 76, followed by a 75 in the second round. However, he bounced back in style, putting together a final round that included several birdies and steady play, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

"I gave it my best shot, especially on the final day, but sometimes it’s not enough," Lejirma said after the tournament. "It’s tough to lose, but Kamais played excellent golf, and he deserved the win. I’m happy with the way I fought back, and there’s always another tournament to look forward to."

Lejirma, a consistent performer in the KAGC series, will certainly look to regain momentum in the upcoming tournaments. While his bid to defend his Nyanza Open title fell short, his solid second-place finish ensures he remains a top contender in the overall series standings.

Lejirma moved top of the standings with 593.0 points, leapfrogging Michael Karamga of Kiambu Golf Club.

The top ten players in the tournament produced remarkable performances, displaying a high level of skill and determination as they battled both the course and the windy conditions over three days.

John Timbe from Nyali Golf & Country Club tied for third place, finishing with a total score of 222 (+12). Timbe shot rounds of 77, 73, and 72, and his consistency throughout the tournament was commendable.

Kasozi Joseph from Uganda's Kinyara Golf Club also finished with a score of 222 (+12). His final round of 71 was particularly impressive, as it helped him climb up the leaderboard on the last day.

John Koina from Muthaiga Golf Club joined the tie for third place, also finishing at 222 (+12). Koina shot rounds of 74, 76, and 72, showing a strong comeback in the final round.

Isaac Makokha of Kenya Railways tied for sixth place with Cedric Konzolo from Kakamega Sports Club, both finishing with a total score of 223 (+13). Makokha’s final round of 76 saw him slip slightly down the leaderboard, while Konzolo's steady rounds of 74, 74, and 75 helped him stay in contention throughout.

Benard Omondi of Ruiru Sports Club and Elly Barno from Nandi Bears Club also finished tied at 223 (+13). Omondi shot a solid 74 in the final round, while Barno’s final round of 80 cost him a higher finish after strong earlier rounds.

Amos Odongo of Golf Park Golf Club rounded out the top ten, finishing with a total score of 224 (+14), with rounds of 71, 78, and 75.

Nyanza Golf Club captain Tom Odongo expressed his gratitude for the success of the 2024 Nyanza Open ‘Hippo Pot’ tournament, highlighting the importance of such events in promoting amateur golf in the region.

“The Nyanza Open is one of the most anticipated events on the golf calendar, and this year’s tournament was a huge success. We witnessed incredible performances from top golfers across the country, with John Kamais emerging as a deserving champion.

“The challenging conditions tested every player's mettle, making the victory even more special,” Odongo said.

He extended his appreciation to the sponsors who made the tournament possible.

“I would like to thank our generous sponsors, including Kisumu Water and Sanitation Co. Ltd, BuuPass Kenya Ltd, Kibos and Allied Sugar Company, Sarova Imperial, Morab Group, Jajamelo Pizza, Africa Inuka Hospitals, and the V.I.P Lounge. Without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to host such a prestigious event. Their contributions are invaluable to the growth of golf in Nyanza.”