-He stamped his authority playing at the course for the first time ever, conquering the hills by flooring a strong team of 168 players.
-The 2026 season opener tournament was the 10th edition of the ICEA LION King of the Course first leg circuit that officially ushered in the “Road to the Vaal,” in South Africa.
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS.
A holiday festive season paid off for an Australian based Kenyan Golfer Brendan Mudanya after being crowned the 2026 ICEA LION King of the course champion at the nine-hole par 72 Machakos Golf Club Course in Machakos County over the weekend.
The Windsor Country Club player and a member of Golf Australia Club playing off handicap 19 pulled a surprise to conquer the hills after carding an impressive 41 stable points to emerge the overall winner in the first leg season opener of the 2026 circuit tournament.
He floored a strong team of 168 players in the day long 18 holes’ tournament that ushered in the launch of the 10th edition of the ICEA LION 2026 Golfing Calendar.
Mudanya who is currently visiting family members over the past festive season and playing for the first time ever at the Machakos course, said he was pretty excited to claim the top spot in the tournament that featured players from Machakos, the wider Nairobi metropolitan area and others across the Country.
“My holiday has paid off and Iam greatly overwhelmed with joy and great excitement to win this tournament. It was a great challenge playing against strong players but I remained focused and thanks, my putting went on well on the greens. My special thanks also goes to my Caddy who took me through the course, since I was playing here for the first time ever and I Hope to be back next year to defend this title. Thank you all, “said Mudanya.
Ben Mumo playing off handicap 14 brought 39 point to win the Men’s prize while handicap 24 Edward Tenga claimed the runners up spot on a count back score of 38 points after tying with third placed handicap 6 James Ndunda.
The Lady’s top spot was won by handicap 32 Ndunge Musyoka who had a score of 40 points beating handicap 17 Felista Mutinda to the runners up slot by a 2 points difference.
Handicap 34 Peter Mukuria went home with the Staff prize after recording 37 points while handicap 22 David Mila on 35 points and handicap 37 Augustine Mboya with 38 points were the Senior and Junior winners respectively.
Among other winners of the day’s, included handicap 33 Faith Nzomo who claimed the guest prize on 41 points as handicap 35 Derick Muendo was awarded the Subsidiary Men winner’s prize after carding 38 points and handicap 42 Naomi Wairimu played 32 points to win the same in the Ladies’ category.
Machakos Golf Club Captain Paul Kyengo expressed his appreciation on the large turn out by the players and the success of the tournament.
“We thank ICEA LION group for the partnership with our Club and we are delighted to host this opener series again here in Machakos and hoped it was an enjoyable experience to all the players. Thank you all, “said Kyengo.
ICEA LION King of the Course Captain Joe Mboya said the series continues its proud tradition of celebrating Kenya’s vibrant Golfing community while elevating competition across some of the Country’s most iconic courses.
“From the rolling hills of Machakos, through the lush fairways of Thika Greens and Ruiru, to the breathtaking landscapes at the foot of Mount Kenya in Nanyuki, and onward to the highlands of Kericho and Nandi Bears, the 2026 circuit promises an exciting and rewarding golfing journey for both players and spectators, “said Mboya.
Mboya pointed out that the ICEA LION king of the course Series that officially ushered in the ‘Road to the Vaal,’ in South Africa signaled an exciting year of competitive Golf and regional excellence.
He said that the tournament, known as ‘The Christmas After Christmas,’ served as the ICEA LION king of the Course season’s much-anticipated year opener following a successful 2025 circuit that traversed multiple courses Nationwide and culminated in a grand finale at Nyali Golf & Country Club, Mombasa last October.
“The ICEA LION King of the course 2025 series overall winner Julius Kioko from Machakos Golf Club, who will be representing Kenya at earning him the fully-sponsored trip to the Lekoa Classic at Heron Banks and Emfuleni Golf Courses along the Vaal River in South Africa, scheduled to take place from 20th to 21st March 2026 and he is highly privileged to be escorted to South Africa by a contingent of over 15 Amateur Golfers from the Club who have already confirmed their participation, “said Mboya.
ICEA LION group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Philip Lopokoiyit said they are proud of the series continued growth and impact and thanked players for their support.
“As we marked this 10th edition of the series, the tournament remains a celebration of sporting excellence and a valuable platform for building enduring relationships, reinforcing trust and demonstrating who we are as a Group.”
He pointed out that ICEA LION group will continue to remain committed in deepening engagement within the Golfing fraternity while supporting the growth of the Sport across regions and looks forward to an action-packed 2026 series and to celebrating excellence both on and off the course.
According to the ICEA LION King of the Course Series 2026 Calendar, action now moves to Thika Greens Golf Resort (6th, February), Ruiru Sports Club (7th, February), Nanyuki Sports Club (7th, March) and Nandi Bears Club (30th May), before culminating in a grand finale at Nyali Golf & Country Club, Mombasa in October 2026.
ICEA LION KING OF THE COURSE FULL RESULTS-MACHAKOS.
Overall winner-Brendan Mudanyi (19)-41 points, Men winner-Ben Mumo (14)-39 points, Runners up-Edward Tenga (24)-38 points C/B, Third-James Ndunda (6)-38 points, Lady winner-Ndunge Musyoka (32)-40 points, Runners up-Felista Mutinda (17)-38 points, Staff winner-Peter Mukuria (34)-37 points,
Senior winner-David Mila (22)-35 points, Junior winner-Augastine Mboya (37)-38 points, Guest winner-Faith Nzomo (33)-41 points, Runners up-Terry Gachoka (25)-34 points, Third-Rodney Nyandika (34)-33 points, Subsidiary Men winner-Derick Muendo (35)-38 points, Subsidiary Lady winner-Naomi Wairimu (42)-32 points, Longest drive men winner-Felix Kiamba, Longest drive lady winner-Charity Njagi, Nearest to pin winner-Kiplagat Chebii, Best effort winner-Benjamin Chemweno (23)-15 points.
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