Michael Karanga of Kiambu Golf Club successfully defended his title at the NCBA Limuru Open during the three-day tournament held at Limuru County Club, also known as “Little Augusta.”
Karanga finished with a total score of 220, just four strokes over par, securing his place at the top of the leaderboard.
Karanga began the tournament with a steady round of 72, replicating the same score in the second round. Despite a slight dip in the final round, where he scored 76, his overall performance ensured he retained his championship title.
“Limuru was tough for everyone, especially on the last day. However, I’m grateful to have retained the title,” he said.
In Limuru, Karanga beat Ugandan Joseph Reagan Akena of Lugazi Hills and Country Club by two strokes.
Akena put up a strong challenge, starting with an impressive round of 70. However, he could not maintain his early momentum, scoring 77 and 75 in the subsequent rounds to finish with a total of 222.
The battle for third place was tightly contested, with John Lejirma, Tsevi Soni, and Elvis Muigua all finishing with identical totals of 224.
NCBA Limuru Open is Karanga’s second title in the 2024 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series, after participating in five tournaments this season.
He previously won the NCBA Coronation Cup in Nakuru on May 31.
“I’m now preparing for the upcoming KAGC tournaments. I’m now focused to retain the Kenya Amateurs Matchplay Championship title at Windsor this coming weekend so that I can get a direct slot in Kenya Open 2025,” he said.
The Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club will host the Kenya Amateurs Matchplay Championship this weekend July 11 – 14.
Vetlab Sports Club will host the Kabete Open from July 19 – 21, whereas the Mombasa Golf Club will host the Coast Open “Barry Cup” from July 26-28.
Nyali Golf and Country Club will host the Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championship from August 1-4.
Karanga is the defending champion of the Kenya Amateurs Matchplay Championship, the Coast Open Barry Cup, and the Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championship.