-While Kitale hosts the 12th leg of ongoing NCBA Golf Series on the tournament’s calendar;
MAARUFU MOHAMED;
The 46th edition of the Kenya Amateur Stroke play Championship “Kenyatta Memorial Bowl” is set to be held at Karen Country Club in Nairobi from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th August 2023.
According to Kenya Golf Union (KGU), this event is usually held in memory of Kenya’s First President, The Late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
The trophy was first presented in 1978 by KGU’s first African Chairman Chris Kahara-1978/79 and Col. M.J. Harbage-KGU Chairman 1977/78.
This year’s event is sponsored by NCBA Bank and the KGU and Union’s Chairman Philip Ochola appreciated the great support that the NCBA has extended to golf in Kenya and especially the sponsorship of the 2023 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series, the NCBA Junior Series tour and the NCBA tour that is currently ongoing across different clubs in the country.
KGU Tournament Director David Ndung’u said “We anticipate to have a field of over 120 golfers including elite amateurs from our neighboring countries, the players will be contesting for the prestigious title, An automatic qualification to the 2024 Magical Kenya Open, Kenya Amateur Golf Championship points, World Amateur Golf Ranking points and a prize kitty of Ksh. 520,000 where the winner will be walking away with Ksh. 120,000.”
Ndungu also mentioned that the arrangements for the event are all set and the golf course is in the best condition to host the championship.
He said that Male golfers of a verifiable WHS handicap Index of 12.0 and below are eligible to play in the championship.
Meanwhile, Kitale Club will this Saturday, 19th August play host to the ongoing NCBA Golf Series.This will be the twelfth event on the tournament’s calendar, ADDS DOUGLAS MWALE-IMG KENYA LIMITED;
At least 100 golfers will tackle the par-72 course as they aim to qualify for the Tournament’s Grand Final to be held at the Sigona Golf Club in December.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, NCBA Group Director John Gachora said:
“We are delighted to be taking this series to Kitale County once again. Being the twelfth event in the series, this has been nothing but an amazing journey for us. This tournament has provided an opportunity for golfers around the country to showcase their talents and skills, and has also offered us the chance to interact with our clients from the different regions. As we head to Kitale for this event, we look forward to another amazing golf out at the scenic Kitale Club,” said Gachora.
The tournament follows the 11th leg held this past weekend at the Nyali Golf & Country Club that attracted 180 golfers where Home player Olaf Grothey emerged overall winner after carding an impressive round of 72 gross.
Mohdhar Abubakar carded a round of 76 gross to claim the winner’s position in the men’s category ahead of Jimmy Kingori who ended the round with 77 gross.
The Ladies’ category was won by Mary Kandu after managing a round of 82 gross, beating Truphena Oyaro on countback.
Among the juniors, Alyssa Jamal, showcased remarkable skills and talent, managing an impressive score of 78 gross to claim the top spot among the juniors.
After Kitale, focus will then shift to the Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort on 2nd September 2023 for the thirteenth qualifier event.
The top 6 winners, overall winner, men’s winner, men runners-up, lady winners and ladies runners-up and junior winners- from all the events will compete for the Series’ top honors.
ENDS;