What’s in a Name?
John Kamais, John Lejirma, John Timbe, and John Koina led the charge at the 2024 NCBA Nyanza Open ‘Hippo Pot’ Tournament.
The battle of the names was fierce, but Kamais emerged as King of the Johns!
The intense three-day competition at Nyanza Golf Club saw Kamais take his first win of the 2024 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series with a final score of 219, nine-over-par.
Kamais set the tone with an impressive opening round of 70, making an early statement and positioning himself as the player to beat.
However, the other Johns were hot on his heels, ensuring the competition stayed tight until the very end.
Kamais followed his stellar start with rounds of 75 and 74, proving he had both the skill and mental strength to close out the tournament in style.
His efforts were rewarded with the winner’s prize of Sh138,750.
Lejirima’s Fight to the Finish
Kenya Railway Golf Club’s John Lejirima wasn’t about to let Kamais waltz to victory.
After a shaky first round of 75, Lejirma shot 76 on the second day but stormed back with a brilliant final round of 70, finishing just two shots behind the leader.
He secured second place with a total score of 221.
He took home Sh83,250 for his runner-up performance but left with the satisfaction of knowing he pushed Kamais to the limit.
The Three-Way Tie: Timbe, Kasozi, and Koina Fight for Third
Not to be outdone by their namesakes, John Timbe from Nyali Golf and Country Club, John Koina from Muthaiga Golf Club, and Joseph Kasozi from Kinyara Golf Club all finished tied for third at 12-over-par (222).
This trio of competitors found themselves in an intense back-and-forth as they vied for a spot on the podium.
Timbe started with a round of 77, but quickly rebounded with a 73 on day two, setting up an exciting final round. His closing score of 72 saw him hold his own in the tie for third.
Koina, meanwhile, had a similar roller-coaster tournament.
His rounds of 74, 76, and 72 kept him in contention throughout the three days.
It was his consistency in the final round that secured his place among the top finishers.
Kinyara’s Kasozi was no slouch either. After an opening 76, he responded with one of the best rounds of the tournament—a sizzling 71 in round two.
Though his final round of 75 wasn’t enough to catch the leaders, it was enough to join the tight group in third place.
All three shared a prize of Sh43,467 each for their gritty performances.