The highly anticipated 2024 NCBA Limuru Open Golf Tournament will be played this weekend at the prestigious Limuru Country Club.
This year’s event has attracted 96 top golfers from Kenya, Uganda, India, and Rwanda.
Kenya’s top five amateur golfers, John Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, Michael Karanga, Adel Balala, and Isaac Makokha, will be the men to watch during the NCBA Limuru Open this weekend.
Lejirma of Kenya Railways Golf Club, and Team Kenya Captain, is leading this year’s Kenya Amateur Golfer Championship (KAGC) Series with 518 points from 10 tournaments.
Lejirma has won four tournaments; the NCBA Gold Fields Trophy at Kakamega Golf Club (June 30), the NCBA Ruiru Open (June 16), the Ronald Marshal and Toby Gibson Cup (May 18) at Njoro Golf Club in Nakuru, and the Trans Nzoia Open (April 24).
In an interview with Golf Score Kenya, Lejirma said he has been practicing intensely and is determined to maintain my winning streak.
“I believe in my abilities. I’m confident in my skills, knowing my swing is strong and the course is in excellent condition. I will maintain this momentum, and I know I’ll also bag this one,” said Lejirma.
Muigua of Kiambu Golf Club, who is holding the second position in KAGC ranking with 346.1 points, began this year with three consecutive wins.
He also has four victories this year; Sigona Bowl (January 26, Great Rift Valley Championship (February 9), Windsor Classic (March 1), and Winston Churchill Tournament on April 5.
Karanga, who is in the third position with 194.9 points, has only had one victory this year from participating in four tournaments.
He won the NCBA Coronation Cup on May 31 at Naruru Golf Club.
He is also the defending champion of the Limuru Open.
Balala of Nyali Golf and Country Club, who has only participated in two tournaments; Muthaiga Open in March and Winston Churchill Tournament in April, is at position four with 105 points.
He won the Muthaiga Open on March 8.
Balala, who has missed five consecutive KAGC tournaments, told Golf Score Kenya that he had not been practicing a lot in recent days.
“I haven’t been training much recently, but I’m gearing up for a series of big tournaments next month,” he said.
He added, “So far this season, I’ve had two starts: a win at the Muthaiga Open and a tie for second at the Winston Churchill in Thika. Currently, I’m ranked fourth in the KAGC series, but I’m aiming to rise to the top spot in Kenya by mid-August.”
Makokha, also of Railways Golf Club, closes the top five positions with 92.5 points from nine tournaments.
Last weekend in Kakamega during the NCBA Gold Fields, Makokha tied at position three.
“I’m looking forward to better results in Limuru. My ultimate goal is to keep pushing for better performance, and I will try to finish with under par,” said Makokha.
Six lady golfers Naomi Wafula (Vipingo), Kellie Gachaga (Karen), Esther Chumo (Eldoret), Bianca Ngecu (Muthaiga), Nancy Wairimu (Golf Park), and Joyce Wanjiru will also be battling with the men for the top honours.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Wafula said: “Limuru is one of my favourite courses, so I’m thrilled to play there and compete with the men again. My goal for the week is to play at par or under.”
On her side, Gachaga said: “I’m looking forward to competing. I love playing at Limuru it’s a great course, and my swing feels great. I’m looking forward to getting out there and trusting the work I’ve put in.”
Kenya Golf Union Tournament Director Chris Kinuthia said they are grateful to NCBA for their invaluable support to the elite amateurs.
“Their contribution has been pivotal in making this event possible, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to them. We also appreciate the Limuru Country Club and all associated clubs for providing the perfect venues where our players can showcase their skills,” he said.