Elly Barno of Nandi Bears Golf Club claimed a remarkable victory at the NCBA Nandi Bears Open Shield, securing his first Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) title.
Barno, benefiting from his home-course advantage, delivered a stellar performance to finish with a total score of 217, just one over par, outpacing a competitive field of 69 golfers.
The 54-hole tournament saw Barno take an early lead after an impressive opening round of 69 (-3) on Friday.
His near-flawless start included a birdie on the second hole, followed by a series of steady pars. He continued to dominate the front nine with two additional birdies on holes 6 and 8, before rounding off with two more birdies on the back nine at holes 15 and 16.
Saturday’s second round proved more challenging as Barno carded a 75 (+3), but he held his nerve in Sunday’s final round, posting a solid 73 (+1) to secure the title.
The Nandi Bears crowd, largely composed of local members and supporters, erupted in celebration as their homegrown talent clinched the prestigious title.
Barno edged out seasoned golfer Isaac Makokha from Kenya Railway Golf Club by two strokes.
Makokha, one of Kenya’s most prominent amateur players and a trailblazer as one of the few deaf golfers on the circuit finished second with a score of 219 (+3), recording rounds of 75, 72, and 72.
John Kamais of Nakuru Golf Club, who recently triumphed in the 2024 NCBA Nyanza Open ‘Hippo Pot’ Tournament, took third place with a total score of 221 (+5).
Kamais demonstrated resilience with rounds of 76, 70, and 75.