Michael Karanga of Kiambu Golf Club is set to be crowned the 2024 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series winner.
On Sunday, Karanga secured his eighth title of the season at the third edition of the NCBA Kiambu Golf Open, having participated in 16 tournaments this year.
His other victories this season include the NCBA Manchester Salver, NCBA Kenya Railways Invitational, NCBA Coronation Cup, NCBA Limuru Open, NCBA Coast Open Barry Cup, Karen Challenge, and the Malindi Open Vasco da Gama Cup.
Karanga’s win at the NCBA Kiambu Open solidified his lead in the KAGC series standings, where he currently boasts 776 points.
Leveraging his home-course advantage, Karanga dominated the field with an impressive 5-under-par total of 139 over two rounds, finishing eight strokes ahead of his competitors.
He carded a stellar 67 in the first round and a 72 in the final round, while the second round on Saturday was cancelled due to heavy rains.
Last year’s Kiambu Open champion, Naomi Wafula of Vipingo Ridge, and Kenya Railways’ John Lejirma tied for second place, each finishing with a total score of 147, three over par.
Wafula showcased remarkable resilience, rebounding from a challenging first-round score of 77 to shoot an impressive 70 on the final day.
“I finished strong in second place at the Kiambu Open—so close to defending my title. Forever grateful to my supporters for keeping me motivated,” said Wafula.
Lejirma, meanwhile, posted a 75 in the first round but recovered in the final round with a solid 72.
He currently sits in second place in the 2024 KAGC series standings, amassing 646 points from 22 events and clinching five titles this season.
This year’s KAGC calendar features a total of 28 tournaments, with only two remaining: the Uhuru Shield at Royal Nairobi Golf Club and the Nyali Open at Nyali Golf and Country Club.
Karanga is expected to be officially crowned the 2024 KAGC champion at next month’s Nyali Open, which will also earn him a direct entry into the 2025 Magical Kenya Open.
Karanga is the defending champion of the 2023 KAGC series.
Another golfer who has already secured a spot in the 2025 Magical Kenya Open is William Odeck, who clinched the 47th NCBA Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship held at Nyali Golf and Country Club in August.