Golf Park’s Josphat Rono on Sunday emerged as the champion of this year’s Trans Nzoia Championship held at Kitale Club.
This marks Rono’s second Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) victory in five months, following his win at the third edition of the 2024 NCBA Golf Park Open last November.
At Kitale, Rono displayed impressive form, carding rounds of 75, 69, and 76 for a total of 220 (+1) to secure a comfortable win, finishing two shots ahead of Kenya Railway Golf Club’s Isaac Makokha.
Opening his campaign with a steady 75 on Friday, Rono set the stage for a strong weekend. He was clinical on Saturday, firing an impressive 69 – the lowest round of the tournament – with a brilliant back nine that featured crucial birdies at the 11th, 14th, 15th, and 17th holes.
Despite a challenging final round 76 on Sunday, his early work gave him enough cushion to close out the championship.
“Kitale is a good golf course, I really enjoyed it. I played well on Friday, finishing with a +2, and on Saturday, I played even better, finishing -4, before Sunday’s +3, for an overall +1 score,” said Rono.
Speaking to Golf Score Kenya after his victory, Rono added: “This is my second win, and it means a lot to me. I have been practicing very well, and I knew this day would come. It feels great to win again and keep the momentum going.”
Makokha, who led after the first round with a 73, finished second on 222 (+3).
Despite an even-par 72 in the final round, he was unable to overhaul Rono’s lead but still posted an encouraging performance.
Nakuru Golf Club’s John Kamaisi finished third with a total of 225 (+6), bouncing back strongly with a closing round of 71 – his best of the tournament – after struggling with an opening 80.
Golf Park’s Sammy Mulama secured fourth place at 226 (+7), while Kisii Sports Club’s Geoffrey Karioki rounded out the top five on 228 (+9).
The event, recognized as part of the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), offered valuable global ranking points, enhancing the players’ international profiles.
Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Dr. Kimeli Mutai, KGU North Rift Region Representative praised both the players and NCBA Bank for their continued partnership in growing the sport:
“This tournament is an important stop on the KAGC circuit and it’s exciting to see players like Rono coming through. We are very grateful to NCBA for their incredible support, not just here but across the entire championship calendar. Their sponsorship is directly helping shape the future of Kenyan golf.”
The NCBA Trans Nzoia Championship remains one of the flagship events on the KAGC schedule, reinforcing Kenya’s growing stature on the global amateur golf stage.
The 2025 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series continue with the NCBA Kiambu Open coming up next on 9-11th May 2025 at the Kiambu Golf Club.
Top 5 Results:
- Josphat Rono (Golf Park Golf Club) – 75, 69, 76 (220)
- Isaac Makokha (Kenya Railway Golf Club) – 73, 76, 73 (222)
- John Kamaisi (Nakuru Golf Club) – 80, 74, 71 (225)
- Sammy Mulama (Golf Park Golf Club) – 75, 76, 75 (226)
- Geoffrey Karioki (Kisii Sports Club) – 78, 74, 76 (228)