The three-day Nyali Open at the Nyali Golf and Country Club proved to be a spectacular showcase of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
Over 150 players from four different countries participated.
Godfrey Nsubuga of Mehta Golf Club in Uganda emerged as the undisputed champion, finishing with an impressive total score of 217.
Nsubuga’s exceptional performance, with rounds of 76, 70, and 71, showcased his mastery of the course and earned him the well-deserved first-place position.
Nsubuga took home a trophy and the grand prize of Sh120,000.
“I would say that generally, the game has been good and very tight for me because I’ve been playing one of the best players in Kenya, but I’m thankful that I’ve been able to challenge them and then win the Nyali Open,” Nsubuga told Golf Score.
Nsubuga faced stiff competition from Michael Karanga of Kiambu Golf Club who secured the second spot with a total score of 218.
“At the moment we set off to go on the course, in my mind, knew that we all had equal chances of winning this tournament. I played with Michael Karanga, Kenya one, and I played Naomi Wafula, I’m pretty sure is Kenya one in the ladies’ category,” said Nsubuga.
“It was a very great game with them. We didn’t have grudges on the course, no complaints. It was all about fun.”
Karanga’s rounds of 70, 74, and 74 highlighted his consistent and formidable play, earning him a respectable prize of 72,000.
Despite losing the Nyali Open title to Nsubuga, Karanga was crowned the overall winner of the Kenya Amateur Golfers Championship (KAGC) series after winning in 13 out of 17 KAGC events he has participated in this year.
He has a gross score of 1,213 points.
Kenya Golfers Union chairman Philip Ochola said congratulated Karanga for breaking an 11-year record by winning the most events in the KAGC series 2023.
“The enthusiasm that you have brought up in this tournament is beyond imagination. Your dedication to the sport is truly commendable, and you are a source of inspiration to all aspiring golfers,” said Ochola.
Still at the Nyali Open, John Lejirma of Kenya Railway Golf Club claimed the third spot with a total score of 220. His rounds of 71, 78, and 71 demonstrated his resilience on the challenging course.
William Odeck from Nyali Golf & Country Club, finished in fourth place with a total score of 222. Odeck’s rounds of 77, 72, and 73 showcased his home-course advantage.
Adel Taufiq Balala of Nyali Golf and Country Club rounded up the top five with a total score of 223. Balala’s consistent play, with rounds of 72, 74, and 77, earned him a position in the list of top five.
Three weeks ago, 26-year-old Wafula from Vipingo Ridge, etched her name in history after beating Nsubuga in the Kiambu Open.
At Nyali, Wafula was looking to break another barrier as she sought back-to-back victories.
Before the start of the third round of the Nyali Open, Wafula told Golf Score, that she was elated to compete with the men in the series.
“I’m grateful to Kenya Golf Union for allowing us (ladies) to play in the Kenya Amateur Golfers Championship (KAGC) so that we can get enough ranking points that can help us in the international events,” said Wafula.