The 47th NCBA Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship has attracted 96 players from Ethiopia, India, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and the host nation, Kenya.
The four-day tournament is scheduled for Thursday, August 1st to August 4th, 2024, at the prestigious Nyali Golf and Country Club.
The championship, dubbed “Kenyatta Memorial Bowl” is held in memory of Kenya’s first President, the Late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
The trophy was first presented in 1978 by Kenya Golf Union’s first African Chairman Chris Kahara, and the 1977/78 Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairperson Col. M.J. Harbage
Among the prominent players in this year’s competition are Michael Karanga of Kiambu Golf Club, known for his precise play and consistent performance.
After participating in eight tournaments, Karanga has won three trophies in this year’s Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series.
On Sunday, he won the 104th NCBA Coast Open ‘Barry Cup’.
He has also won the NCBA Coronation Cup at Nakuru on June 2, and the NCBA Limuru Open on July 7.
He will compete against John Lejirma of Railway Golf Club, currently holding the title of Kenya’s top amateur golfer.
Lejirma has had an impressive season, winning the NCBA Gold Fields Trophy at Kakamega Golf Club (June 30), the NCBA Ruiru Open (June 16), the Ronald Marshal and Toby Gibson Cup (May 18) at Njoro Golf Club in Nakuru, and the Trans Nzoia Open (April 24).
Other players to watch are Adel Balala, a local favourite and one of Kenya’s top amateur golfers, and US-based Ugandan player Michael Alunga, a formidable competitor with a reputation for clutch performances.
The champion of this year’s tournament will secure an automatic spot in the 2025 Magical Kenya Open.
So far, Alunga has secured his slot after winning the 2024 NCBA Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship at Windsor Golf Club on July 12, 2024.
The Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship provides a significant platform for emerging talents to advance their careers and gain international recognition.
Additionally, the performance is important for the golfers as it counts towards their Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) points and WARG ranking.
KGU tournament director, Chris Kinuthia said, they extend their heartfelt thanks to NCBA for their generous sponsorship, which has made this event possible.
“Their unwavering support highlights their commitment to fostering talent and promoting sports excellence in Kenya and beyond. Additionally, we are deeply grateful to Nyali Golf and Country Club for hosting this prestigious event and providing a world-class venue for our golfers,” he said.
Nyali Golf and Country Club Captain, Dinesh Saasan, said it is a great honour to host the 47th NCBA Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
“The course is in excellent condition and offers a balance of risk and reward for the competitors. The weather is also conducive to a fantastic event. I wish all participants the best of luck in exploring their true potential and having a great competition,” he said.