Juma Triumphs at NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale 5th Edition

Accra: Kevin Juma posted a round of 76 gross to claim the overall title of the 5th edition of the NCBA Golf Series during the Grand Finale held on November 28 at the Muthaiga Golf Club. The Royal Nairobi Golf Club handicap 4 player emerged top after a tightly contested round that brought together 90 qualifiers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. According to Kenya News Agency, the field featured some of the best amateur golfers from across the region, all battling for one of the most prestigious amateur golf titles in East Africa. Speaking after his win during the awards gala, Juma expressed that this victory means a lot to him because the NCBA Golf Series brings together some of the strongest players from across the region. He noted the challenges of the Muthaiga course, emphasizing the need to focus on every shot, especially on the back nine where conditions were tough. Apart from the trophy, Juma, who had earlier won the overall Mens title at his home clubs leg of the series in September, took h ome a cash prize of Sh 130,000, an air ticket to London courtesy of Kenya Airways, a signature leather bag from Sandstorm, and a bottle of Johnnie Walker courtesy of EABL. Coming in closely behind him was VetLab Sports Clubs John Odhiambo, playing off handicap 3, who carded 76 gross but lost on countback due to Jumas lower handicap. Odhiambo, who also secured his ticket to the Grand Finale by winning for his home club leg, walked home with Sh 130,000, an air ticket to Mauritius courtesy of Kenya Airways, a Sandstorm signature bag, and a bottle of Johnnie Walker. VetLab produced another champion through Mary Karano, who claimed the Overall Lady Winner title. Playing off a handicap of 12, she carded an impressive 79 gross to secure her place among the top performers of the tournament. Karano also earned Sh130,000, an air ticket to South Africa courtesy of Kenya Airways, a Sandstorm bag, and a Johnnie Walker bottle. In the Nett divisions, Lugalo Golf Clubs Mwanansu Nsajigwa (handicap 8) from Tanzania won Div ision One with 77 points after beating Evans Kirui (handicap 12) on countback. In Division Two, Kitales Joseph Kitavi (handicap 23) secured the top spot with 44 points, while the ladies Division Two winner was Lillian Kongani with 37 points. In Division Three, Ann Atieno (handicap 29) edged Josephine Chesang (handicap 26) by a single point after posting 40 points. Among the juniors, Marcel Adeyemo (handicap 28) posted an impressive 41 points to claim the junior title, showcasing the growing strength of youth golfing talent across the region. In the subsidiary categories, Amon Ngecu (handicap 25) claimed the Staff prize with 38 points, while Patrick Cheruiyot (handicap 26) won the Guest prize after carding 44 points. Speaking during the awards gala, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said, When they launched the NCBA Golf Series in 2021, our vision was to build a platform that could help grow the sport, nurture talent, and bring communities together. He noted that over these five years, NCBAs investme nt of over Sh 200 million in golf has seen them connect with more than 10,000 golfers, activate over 400 tournaments, and work closely with nearly all golf clubs across the region. Gachora also announced that rising star Njoroge Kibugu has officially joined the NCBA professional squad. He becomes the latest addition to the group of pros the bank is supporting on the PGK Equator Tour, which includes Edwin Mudanyi, Eric Obura, and Abraham Galgalo. The NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale attracted a field of 250 players, made up of the 90 regional qualifiers and invited guest players. The tournament was sponsored by EABL through its Johnnie Walker brand, Sandstorm Kenya, VISA, JCB Ganatra, and Kenya Airways.