All is set for the 104th edition of the prestigious NCBA Coast Open ‘Barry Cup’ at the Mombasa Golf Club seafront course.
The three-day tournament played over 54 holes, has attracted 71 elite golfers from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, including four elite women golfers.
They will compete for the prestigious title and attractive prize fund, jointly sponsored by NCBA Bank, CIGT, CLC, and Intercity.
Mombasa Golf Club Vice Captain George Mokaya told Golf Score Kenya that the course is in the best shape to host the tournament.
“We’ve worked hard to make the course the best it’s ever been. We repaired all the greens, especially number 6 and number 7, which had issues. Now they’re in the best shape ever,” he said.
This year’s tournament not only offers a significant title but also qualifies for the World Amateur Golf Ranking, further elevating its importance.
Defending champion Michael Karanga will return to defend his title, facing strong competition from his close rival, Adel Balala of Nyali Golf Club.
Balala, who recently triumphed at the Kabete Open, where he beat Karanga in the fifth playoff hole, is expected to provide a formidable challenge.
Mombasa Golf Club is considered one of the most difficult courses due to its location on the cliff bordering the Kilindini channel of the Indian Ocean.
“It has unique features. You’re playing into the strong winds from the sea. You will also realize all the tee boxes are quite elevated. So, it’s a very challenging course,” said Mokaya.
He added, “Only the first fairways are quite wide. The rest are very narrow. If you’re not cautious, you’ll be hitting your balls into the sea.”
Out of the 71 golfers, at least 15 home players will be competing to cut into the weekend.
“I’m happy to say that this time we are fielding a strong team from Mombasa of about 15 players. Out of these, we have five new entries, playing the Coast Open ‘Barry Cup’ for the first time,” said Mokaya.
The NCBA Coast Open ‘Barry Cup’ promises intense competition, showcasing the best of amateur golf in the region.