Mitansh Thacker and Hazel Kuria emerged victorious in the first-ever NCBA Western Junior Open held at Kisii Sports Club.
The duo triumphed in the boys’ and girls’ categories, competing against 49 junior golfers who braved chilly weather in Kisii County.
Thacker started strong, posting a 75 in the opening round on the unfamiliar course.
A challenging second round saw him score 80, but he made a remarkable comeback in the final round with a 73, bringing his total to 228 points to secure the overall boys’ title.
“I had one practice round, but the rain overnight made the course unpredictable. Despite starting with a bogey, I played a solid four-over in the first round. Day two was tough, but after an hour-long discussion with my coach, I adjusted my swing and bounced back on the final day, with 14 pars, one birdie, and three bogeys,” Thacker said.
Reflecting on the event, he added, “Playing in Kisii was a great experience. The constant rain kept the course wet, making it hard to drive the ball far and slowing the greens. Despite the challenge, it was fun, and I learned a lot.”
Hazel Kuria, who placed sixth overall, claimed the top prize in the girls’ category with consistent scores of 80, 83, and 80 over the three days.
“The weather was manageable, and although the fairways were decent, the greens were tricky—soft in some parts and patchy in others. My focus was on staying composed and applying my training,” Kuria said.
“I faced challenges on a few holes but stayed determined.”
Justin Ngeera began strong with a 78, surged ahead with a 76 in the second round, but slipped with an 80 in the final round, finishing second overall, six strokes behind Thacker.
However, he claimed victory in the boys’ 13-year category.
Phelex Cheruiyot of Nandi Bears Golf Club finished third with a total score of 238 (80, 82, 76) and won the boys’ 19-21 years category.
Kushagra Sharma emerged the winner of the boys 16-18 years category with a score of 240.
Other winners were Myles Fernandes who was runner-up in the boys 19-21 years category with a score of 273, and Shelby Bungei who won the girls 16-18 years category with a score of 287.