The Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series leader, Elvis Muigua, is determined to win his fifth title this weekend at the Golf Park Golf Club, Nairobi.
The 2024 NCBA Golf Park Open kicked off Friday and is set to run until Sunday, April 14th, 2024.
The Winston Churchill victory was Muigua’s fourth KAGC series title since the beginning of the year. He already had won the Sigona Bowl, the Great Rift Valley Championship, and the Windsor Classic.
“I’m expecting to play an under-par game at Golf Park for me to win. I will be trying to get my fifth title of the KAGC series,” Muigua told Golf Score.
At Thika, Muigua carded carded two over par 74 for a 36-hole total of level par 144, to beat Balala and Lejrimah by a shot.
Earlier this week, Balala said losing by a shot to Muigua was tough.
“However, the game (Winston Churchill Cup) was also motivating because I came close to winning despite not practising well. I should now get back to training to reclaim my position as Kenya One,” he said.
Balala is looking to secure his second Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series title after winning the Muthaiga Open last month.
At Golf Park this weekend, a strong field of 78 top amateur golfers from across the region will be participating in the third edition of the Golf Park Open.
The Golf Park Open also holds significance in both the Kenya Amateur Golf Ranking and the World Amateur Golf Ranking, providing participants with a valuable opportunity to elevate their standings within the global golfing community.
Among the top golfers expected to put up a strong performance in this year’s event include Muigua, Balala, John Lejirma, and the defending champion, Sammy Mulama.
In adherence to the standards set by the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC), an initial roster of over 100 golfers has been trimmed to 78 participants to ensure a level playing field on the challenging 9-hole course.
In a testament to the growing diversity within the sport, the tournament features five top female golfers—Joyce Wanjiru, Nancy Wairimu, Margaret Njoki, Diana Mbuba, and Mercy Nyanchama.
Adding an international flair to the competition, Uganda’s Dominic Musoke and Abdalla Kakooza will be representing their country on the greens, hoping to secure the top honours.
“We are delighted to host this year’s edition of the Golf Park Open. We have prepared meticulously for an unforgettable tournament experience,” said Golf Park Captain Kenneth Lucas.
He added, “I would also like to express our gratitude to NCBA Bank for their unwavering support as the title sponsor of this event and we invite golfers to join us for three days of exciting competition.”
Sponsored by NCBA Bank, the event boasts an impressive prize kitty of Sh500,000, which will be distributed among the top 20 golfers.