This weekend, 74 talented amateur golfers will battle it out at the NCBA Nandi Bears Open Shield.
The three-day championship, running from October 4th to 6th, will take place at the Nandi Bears Golf Club.
Notably, Kenya’s top four amateur golfers—John Lejirma, Michael Karanga, Elvis Muigua, and Adel Balala—will be absent from the tournament.
The four are representing Kenya in the Africa Region IV Championship in Kigali, Rwanda, an event running concurrently with the Nandi Bears Shield.
Kenya, as defending champion, will face stiff competition from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Seychelles, Reunion, and hosts Rwanda at the Kigali Golf Resort and Villas.
Back in Nandi, the competition remains fierce.
Players to watch include home favorite Nelson Koech, alongside Elly Barno, Ebill Omollo from Vet Lab Sports Club, Isaac Makokha from Railways Golf Club, John Kamais from Nakuru Golf Club, and Muthaiga Golf Club’s Daniel Kiragu.
The tournament’s prize pool stands at Sh400,000, with the winner set to take home Sh92,500.
Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Secretary Brian Akun expressed excitement about returning to Nandi Bears Golf Club.
“This is one of the 28 events in the 2024 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) calendar, organized by KGU and sponsored by NCBA. It offers a platform for golfers to earn points toward the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR),” said Akun.
The Nandi Bears tournament is the 21st stop in this year’s KAGC series, with only seven more tournaments remaining.
It plays a crucial role in determining the eventual winner of the prestigious Golfer of the Year Award, which will be decided at the final event in December—the Nyali Open at Nyali Golf and Country Club.
NCBA, the main sponsor of the event, has partnered with local sponsors to provide a platform for golfers to showcase their skills and encourage participation at all levels.
Over the past two years, NCBA’s sponsorship of KGU events has made a significant impact on the amateur golf scene in Kenya, fostering growth and development in the sport.