John Odhiambo and Mary Karano stole the spotlight during the thrilling kickoff of the 2025 NCBA Golf Series, held over the weekend at the prestigious Vet-Lab Sports Club.
Odhiambo, playing off a handicap of 2, clinched the Overall Gross Men’s Winner title with an exceptional 73 gross, finishing just one-over par to take home the day’s top honors.
On the ladies’ side, Mary Karano, a handicap-14 golfer, claimed the Overall Gross Lady’s Winner title after delivering an impressive 83 gross.
The competition extended beyond the gross category, as the Nett Categories featured equally remarkable performances.
In Division One, reserved for golfers with handicaps up to 12, Njani Ndiritu rose to the occasion.
Playing off a handicap of 12, he carded an impressive 41 Stableford points to emerge as the division champion.
Reflecting on his win, Ndiritu expressed both joy and pride, saying, “I’m happy to have performed so well on such a challenging course. I came prepared for this tournament and started strong on the first nine. Although I faltered slightly on the second nine, I still believed in my game. The competition was intense, and I’m proud to secure a place in the Grand Finale.”
Division Two, which features golfers with handicaps ranging from 13 to 24, delivered more thrilling performances.
Nicholas Imbugwa, playing off a handicap of 15, claimed the men’s title with an outstanding 42 points.
In the same division, Anisya Ibragimova made her mark as the day’s highest scorer. Playing off a handicap of 23, she posted a remarkable 43 points to claim the ladies’ crown, demonstrating composure and consistency.
The competition in Division Three, designed for players with handicaps of 25 and above, was equally intense.
Ruth Foulser, playing off a handicap of 34, emerged victorious with an impressive 43 points, joining the day’s elite performers.
Meanwhile, in the Junior Category, Saruni Meely showed great promise by securing 33 points while playing off a handicap of 22.
As the day concluded, the top performers across the various categories earned coveted spots in the 2025 NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale, where they will compete for ultimate honors at the end of the season.
NCBA Group Director of Marketing and Communications, Nelly Wainaina, was full of praise for the event’s successful start.
“We are thrilled to return to Vet-Lab Sports Club to tee off the 2025 NCBA Golf Series. This course has once again proven why it is one of the most prestigious in the region, and today’s turnout reflects the growing passion for golf,” she said.
Wainaina emphasized the significance of the series, now in its fifth edition, saying, “As we embark on this journey, we are excited about the opportunities ahead to nurture talent, strengthen partnerships, and bring the golfing community closer together.”
The NCBA Golf Series has grown into one of East Africa’s most significant golfing circuits.
This year’s edition will feature 41 qualifier events across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
After the thrilling opener at Vet-Lab, the series moves to its next stop at Nandi Bears Golf Club on February 1, where golfers will continue their quest to secure a place in the Grand Finale.