Shashwat Harish emerged as the overall boys’ winner on Sunday during the inaugural NCBA North Rift Junior Open, held over three days at Nandi Bears Club.
Representing Muthaiga Golf Club, Harish shot one-under par in the first round, five-over par in the second round, and six-over par in the third round, totaling 226 points, 10-over par.
He attributed his victory to accurate ball placement.
“I have enjoyed playing at the Nandi Bears Club course, which is in pristine condition. I will always remember this course because I achieved my first-ever under-par round in a tournament during the first round,” said Harish.
He expressed gratitude to his parents, coaches, caddy, and playing partners for their support.
Shelby Bungei from Kitale Club emerged as the overall girls’ winner with an aggregate score of 293 gross.
She played playing consistent rounds of 99, 97, and 97 over the three days.
Tsevi Soni finished with the second-best score among boys, achieving a gross of 239 (rounds of 79, 83, and 77) to win the Boys 14-15 Years category.
He was followed by Yuvraj Rajput from Sigona Golf Club with a gross of 248.
In the Boys 19-21 Years category, Phelix Cheruiyot from Nandi Bears Club showed excellent form, playing rounds of 84, 78, and 79 for a total of 241 gross to secure the win.
He was closely followed by his clubmate Jefferson Kipchumba, who posted a gross of 260.
Maureen Jepleting and Ruth Jepkemei, also from Nandi Bears, posted scores of 321 and 329 gross, respectively, to claim the winner and runner-up positions in the Girls 16-21 Years category.
Muthaiga’s Jason Mwai shot 257 gross to win the Boys 16-18 Years category, followed by Briskern Amusala from Kakamega with 284 gross.
Pendo Kanaiza from Kisii Sports Club led the Girls 15 Years and Under category with 302 gross
Heeran Kipkurui from Nakuru won the Boys 13 Years and Under category with 282 gross, while Niel Kabora from Kisii came in second in this category with a gross score of 295.
A total of 45 junior golfers, aged between 9 and 21, participated in the event.
Players were drawn from Nandi, Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisii, Kitale, Muthaiga, Nakuru, Sigona, and Vet Lab Golf Clubs.
The top 33 players and ties made the cut for the final round.
This event marks the first three-day junior tournament in the region recognized by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and was sponsored by NCBA Bank and ICEA Lion.
Speaking during the tournament, JGF North Rift Region Representative Fandi Shiyukah congratulated all participants.
“There is much work to be done in the region to nurture budding talent and expose our players to more tournaments,” he noted.
Attention now shifts to the NCBA Western Junior Open, set to take place for the first time at Kisii Sports Club from November 29 to December 1, 2024.