Michael Karanga, the reigning Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) series champion, has finally recorded his first victory of the year.
He triumphed over other elite golfers to defend the Coronation and Bendor title at the par-73 Nakuru Golf Club.
This victory marks Karanga’s first in 2024 after competing in four out of eight KAGC tournaments since the beginning of the year.
He finished second in the Sigona Bowl at Sigona Golf Club in January and the Windsor Classic at Windsor Golf Club in March, before placing fourth in the Winston Churchill tournament at Thika Golf Club in April.
Following his win in Nakuru, Karanga now holds the third position in the KAGC series standings, trailing Elvis Muigua of Kiambu Golf Club and John Lejirma of Kenya Railways Golf Club.
In the three-day NCBA Coronation Cup in Nakuru, Karanga delivered a remarkable performance, finishing at 8-under par with a total score of 211.
On Friday, he scored 71 (two under par), followed by a level par 73 on Saturday, and concluded with a stunning 67 (six under par) on the final day.
“Sunday’s score of 67, six under par, was my lowest for a tournament this year. The Nakuru Golf Club posed quite a challenge with its hard greens, so achieving a 67 under those conditions is truly exceptional golf,” Karanga told Golf Score Kenya.
After the Nakuru tournament, Karanga trails the 2024 KAGC series leaders Muigua by 151.9 points and Lejirma by 128.4 points.
“We have many KAGC tournaments coming up. We’ve only played eight out of 28, and Muigua is leading by 150 points. I will catch up soon!” he said.
In Nakuru, Daniel Kiragu of Muthaiga Golf Club finished second with a total score of 222, 3-over par.
Despite a challenging start with a 77 in the first round, Kiragu improved with scores of 70 on the second day and 75 on the last day.
Three golfers tied for third place: John Kamais from Nakuru Golf Club, Elly Barno from Nandi Bears Club, and John Lejirma from Kenya Railways Golf Club, each scoring a total of 226, finishing 7-over par.
Kamais’s rounds of 76, 77, and 73 showcased steady improvement, while Barno’s scores of 76, 75, and 75 and Lejirma’s rounds of 74, 76, and 76 reflected consistent play throughout the tournament.
Amos Odongo from Golf Park Golf Club finished in sixth place with a total score of 231, 12-over par. His performance saw scores of 81 in the first round, improving to 76 and 74 in the subsequent rounds.