It's a busy weekend as elite amateurs faces off at Sigona

Elite amateur golfers will be dusting their tools in the start of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series that kicks at the Sigona golf course in Nairobi from today Friday.

The tournament is the 66th edition of the NCBA Sigona Bowl that has attracted the required top leading 156 golfers from golf clubs across Kenya, as well as international colleagues from Tanzania, China, Great Britain, Rwanda, and Uganda.

This prestigious tournament marks the beginning of the 2025 season for the NCBA supported KAGC which is a year-long series featuring 31 events across the country.

The 54 holes’ strokes play championship will be played over three days where all players will compete in the first two rounds today and tomorrow, after which the top 33 players along with ties shall make the cut to advance to the final round on Sunday.

The total prize pool is set at Ksh 450,000 with the winner receiving Ksh. 104,000 and the event is both a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and KAGC ranking event.

It also offers players local and international recognition and an opportunity to measure their performance on the global amateur golf stage.

Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Chairman David Ndung’u said the Sigona Bowl is an iconic event on the Union’s calendar and are excited to kick off the 2025 KAGC season with it.

“We are immensely grateful to NCBA for their continued support of amateur golf in Kenya. Their Ksh 6 million sponsorship for 2025 plays a vital role in elevating the game and providing a platform for both local and international players to showcase their talent, “noted Noted.

The tournament has also attracted top leading lady golfers namely Mercy Nyanchama, Margaret Njoki, Ashley Awuor, Aisha Duba, Joyce Wanjiru and Vicky Elias from Tanzania among others.

Nyali’s Adel Balala who missed most of the series last year following pressure of work is back and will be looking forward to grab the ‘golfer of the year’ title currently being held by Michael Karanga of Kiambu.

The race among others will also be featuring John Lejirma, Sammy Mulama, Isaack Makhoha, Josephat Rono and Henry Kamau.

Elsewhere at Vetlab Sports club course, the NCBA golf series begins its 2025 edition tomorrow on Saturday and marks the first of 41 qualifier events lined up for the year in what promises to be an exciting and competitive season of golf across East Africa.

The club renowned for its challenging 18-hole course will host over 200 golfers in this opening event, competing in the stable ford format, as they aim to be crowned winners across various categories.

This series was officially launched last week at Kenya Railway golf club in Nairobi and is now in its fifth edition, building on its legacy of promoting golf development, promoting talent, and growing the sport across the region.

NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora expressed excitement about returning to the venue for the series opener saying they are delighted to return to the Club to tee off the Series.

“This course has always provided a fantastic platform to start our journey, and we are thrilled to welcome over 200 golfers for what promises to be a memorable tournament. The series has grown significantly over the years, and we are excited about what’s to come in this year’s edition. We look forward to engaging with golfers and fans across the region as we continue to grow the sport, “said Gachora.

This year, a total of 159 NCBA supported series will be held across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, a significant increase from the 130 events held last year.

The Junior category will span 49 tournaments in Kenya, 22 in Uganda, and 3 in Tanzania, with Rwanda hosting its first-ever junior event and golf clinic.

As part of its broader vision, NCBA has renewed key partnerships with the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) and the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF).

Additionally, for the first time, the Bank has partnered with the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) and these partnerships are aimed at advancing golf at all levels, from junior players to professionals.

And at Nyali golf and country club course in Mombasa County tomorrow Saturday, it will be a great show where an estimated 250 golfers are expected to display their skills and talents in the club Chairman’s (Kamami Njoroge) prize tournament that tees off from 6 am.

Supported by several stakeholders, this tournament organized to celebrate Njoroge’s two year’s tenure in office has attracted golfers from the home club, other coast golf clubs, up country golfers and friends of the Chairman with valid handicaps.  

Club lady captain Provia Odhiambo who is still said to be out of the country sent a message to welcome all golfers to the tournament and enjoy a fantastic day on the course.

“As we prepare for the much-anticipated Chairman's Prize tournament, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible leadership of our Chairman Kamami Njoroge,” said Odhiambo.

She noted that his dedication and hard work during his two-year tenure has been truly commendable as evidenced by the numerous projects successfully undertaken under his stewardship.

“We in the Ladies' Section are especially grateful for the unwavering support he has shown us during critical moments, ensuring that our section thrives and grows. I wish him the very best in the upcoming tournament and encourage all golfers to join us in celebrating his accomplishments, “said Odhiambo.