It was a weekend to remember for Britney Nyanchera, who celebrated her birthday in the most memorable way — by winning the Girls’ Overall title at the 3rd NCBA Coast Junior Open 2025, held from April 25 to 27 at the historic Mombasa Golf Club.
The Windsor Golf and Hotel Club junior defied strong coastal breeze, Sunday’s rain and stiff competition to clinch the title, posting scores of 91, 88, and 89 for a gross total of 268.
Despite the challenging course conditions, Britney held her nerve to finish with a commanding +55 over par and secure top honors among the girls.
“The experience was good; the competition was somehow tough because of the weather. However, I feel really good to have won. I’m grateful for the support from my mom and coach for believing in me,” said an elated Britney after her victory.
Her mother, Maggie Nyabate, expressed her pride at seeing her daughter’s progress.
“I have been walking with her through this journey, and it feels great to see her winning in competition. She started playing when she was eight years old, and I’m proud to see the growth,” she said.
The tournament, organized by the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) in partnership with NCBA Bank, drew 45 juniors from across the country, battling it out in various age categories.
In the Boys’ Overall category, Mwathi Gicheru from Royal Nairobi Golf Club delivered a dominant performance, posting consistent rounds of 75, 76, and 77 for a total score of 228, finishing at +15.
His steady play across the three days kept him ahead of the field, earning him the Overall Boys’ Winner title.
The 19-21 Years Boys’ title went to Kevin Anyien of Golf Park, who shot 83, 83, and 83 for a total of 249 (+36), while Nyali Golf Club’s Aaron Mutisya finished runner-up in the category with a score of 296 (+83).
In the Girls’ 16-21 Years division, Grace Makasi of Nyali Golf Club secured victory with rounds of 98, 100, and 99 for a cumulative 297 (+84), narrowly edging out fellow clubmate Rasmeet Kaur, who finished at 300 (+87).
Sigona Golf Club’s Hetansh Shah dominated the Boys’ 16-18 Years category, posting a total of 247 (+34), with Gicheru Kimani from Royal Nairobi Golf Club following closely at 249 (+36).
The Boys’ 14-15 Years title was hotly contested, with Thacker Mitansh (Sigona Golf Club) taking the win after carding 232 (+19), while clubmate Yuvraj Rajput claimed second place with 235 (+22).
In the Girls’ 15 Years and Under category, Brianna Ngecu Simone of Muthaiga Golf Club displayed solid form to claim victory with a score of 270 (+57).
Randy Turi from Windsor Golf and Hotel Club finished runner-up with a total of 299 (+77).
Among the youngest players, Nawenxuan Li of Vet-lab impressed by winning the Boys’ 13 Years and Under category, finishing with a gross total of 282 (+69).
Hakeem Mutungi of Limuru Country Club came second with 298 (+85).
Rodgers Chimega, chief advisor to Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, who witnessed the final round, emphasized the government’s commitment to growing young talent in golf.
“There is a perception that golf is a game for the elderly, but we are working to ensure that more juniors take up golf and compete on the world stage. We want the young ones not just to play for fun, but to make money and actually make a living from the sport,” said Chimega.
NCBA Coast Region Manager Yasir Ashu reiterated NCBA’s pride in supporting junior golf development:
“Our support to JGF is not only about sponsoring tournaments but about making investments in developing young professionals. We want to ensure that every junior golfer has the opportunity to develop their talent, access quality competition, and dream of competing on the world stage,” said Ashu.
Junior Golf Foundation Coast Region representative Mary Mariga noted the steady improvement in skills and competitiveness among juniors:
“We still have very few juniors in Mombasa compared to other regions. However, JGF is working with coaches to train more juniors in schools, and we expect to see both the numbers and the quality of play improving,” said Mariga.
Mombasa Golf Club Captain George Mokaya praised the standard of play displayed by the juniors during the 3rd NCBA Coast Junior Open.
“The good thing is that some of these juniors are now participating in club events and other competitions. We even witnessed some of them take part in the recent Tannahill tournament in Nairobi,” said Mokaya.
He also acknowledged that while the uptake of junior golf had been slow, organizations like JGF were playing a vital role to increase the numbers.
“Initially, it was the parents who pushed their children to start playing golf. But we are happy that JGF is actively encouraging clubs to admit more juniors and is making it possible for kids from different backgrounds to take up the game. I also wish to thank NCBA for sponsoring this event in a big way,” Mokaya added.
