Adel Balala from Nyali Golf and Country Club triumphed over Kiambu’s Michael Karanga in a dramatic sudden-death playoff, clinching the title at the NCBA Kabete Open 2024.
The tournament, held over three days from July 19 to July 21 at the 18-hole Vet Lab Sports Club, saw 133 golfers from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and the United Kingdom compete fiercely.
After the first two rounds, only the top 33 golfers advanced to the final round, ensuring high-level competition.
The tournament’s climax was nothing short of thrilling.
Balala and Karanga finished the regulation rounds tied with a total score of 220, necessitating a playoff on three holes; 1, 17, and 18.
Each hole resulted in a tie, with Balala dropping two shots on the first hole while Karanga bogeyed. Both players parred the 17th, pushing the decision to the 18th hole.
In a dramatic sudden-death playoff on the 18th, both players birdied the first attempt.
They returned to the same hole, where Balala held his nerve with a par, while Karanga faltered with a bogey, handing Balala the coveted title.
Reflecting on the nail-biting finish, Balala said, “I was well clear going into the last nine holes; however, fatigue caused a lapse in performance, leading to a tie with Karanga. By God’s plan, it got so interesting to go to sudden death with Karanga, where I emerged victorious.”
During the first round on Friday, Balala posted a solid 70, marked by consistent play and minimal mistakes.
Karanga had a rough start with a 75, struggling particularly on the first hole but recovered to maintain competitiveness.
Joseph Cwinyaai from Uganda Golf Club shot a leading 69 to finish top of the leaderboard.
On Saturday, Balala continued his strong performance with another 70, and Karanga improved significantly, carding a 74.
Cwinyaai carded 73, coming in at position two after Balala.
On Sunday, fatigue took its toll on Balala as he scored an 80, allowing Karanga, who shot a 71, to catch up and force a playoff.
Cwinyaai struggled with an 83, finishing third but demonstrating resilience throughout the tournament.
The tournament had attracted top contenders, including Ugandan Michael Alunga, fresh from his victory at the 102nd NCBA Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship, the KAGC 2024 series leader, John Lejirma from Railway Golf Club, and Elvis Muigua from Kiambu Golf Club.
Among the lady golfers, Naomi Wafula (Vipingo Ridge) and Kellie Gachaga (Karen) led a strong group of competitors, contributing to the event’s diversity and competitiveness.
The NCBA Kabete Open serves as a qualifier for the World Amateur Golf Championship and impacts the local KAGC ranking, adding prestige and significance to the event.
Final Standings
Adel Balala (Nyali Golf & Country Club) – 220 (70, 70, 80)
Michael Karanga (Kiambu Golf Club) – 220 (75, 74, 71)
Joseph Cwinyaai (Uganda Golf Club) – 225 (69, 73, 83)