Kenya’s national golf team showcased exceptional skill and determination to claim victory in the 2024 Africa Region IV Golf Championship.
The prestigious three-day,72-hole tournament took place at Kigali Golf Resort and Villas in Rwanda.
This marks Kenya’s third consecutive win, having also secured the title in 2022 and 2023.
Kenya dominated with an impressive overall team score of 841 gross, comfortably outpacing regional rivals Uganda and Rwanda, who finished second and third, respectively.
The Kenyan team, composed of Michael Karanga, Adel Balala, John Lejirma, and Elvis Muigua, delivered consistently strong performances throughout the tournament.
Kenya’s triumph was driven by a combination of consistency and team spirit.
After opening with a solid round of 214, the team built on their lead with scores of 221, 203, and 203 in the subsequent rounds.
Karanga, the reigning Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) champion, led the team with a brilliant final round score of 66, cementing his position as one of the tournament’s top performers.
Over the three days, Karanga posted impressive rounds of 70, 76, 64, and 66, overcoming the challenging Kigali course.
He finished first in the individual category with a total score of 276 (-12).
Team Kenya captain Lejirma also delivered a consistent performance, with rounds of 72, 73, 68, and 70.
His steady play earned him second place, tying with Uganda’s Joseph Cwinyaai, both finishing with a total score of 283 (-5).
“This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Winning this championship is an honour, and I believe our focus, ability to adapt to challenges, and strong team support set us apart,” Lejirma told Golf Score Kenya.
Balala played a pivotal role in Kenya’s success, contributing rounds of 72, 82, 71, and 67.
Despite a difficult second round, he rebounded strongly, showing resilience and mental toughness.
His final round 67 was among the best performances of the tournament, securing him sixth place in the individual standings with a total score of 292 (+4), tying with his teammate Muigua, who posted rounds of 75, 72, 72, and 73.
Uganda finished second with an overall score of 875 gross, led by Cwinyaai’s rounds of 70, 74, 72, and 67.
His final round 67 helped narrow the gap slightly on the final day.
Teammates Joseph Reagan Akena, Joseph Kasozi, and Ibrahim Ssemakula also played key roles, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Kenya’s commanding lead.
Host nation Rwanda finished third with a team score of 899 gross.
Led by Felix Dusabe, the Rwandan team, including Jacques Byiringiro, Gatera Jacques, and Mukisa Benjamin, fought valiantly but could not match the consistency of their Kenyan and Ugandan counterparts.
Dusabe was Rwanda’s standout performer, recording rounds of 78, 75, 72, and 71 for a total score of 296 (+8), tying for ninth place in the individual standings.
Seychelles and Mauritius tied for fourth place with 906 gross, while Ethiopia finished sixth in the tournament with scores of 994 gross.
Kenya’s victory in the Africa Region IV Championship solidifies its status as a dominant force in regional golf.
The team is now looking forward to participating in the All Africa Championship in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe the end of October.