News

NCBA Nandi Bears Open Shield attracts 74 Top Amateur Golfers this Weekend

Nairobi, 1^st October 2024 — The NCBA Nandi Bears Open Shield is set to take place from October 4th to 6th, 2024, at the Nandi Bears Golf Club. This event has attracted 74 talented amateur players from across the region.

The tournament will feature a competitive field, with notable players to watch including home players Nelson Koech, Elly Barno, Ebill Omollo from Vet Lab Sports Club, and Daniel Kiragu from Muthaiga Golf Club.

The tournament will be without the top four players in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) rankings: Michael Karanga, John Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, and Adel Balala. These players will be representing Kenya in the Africa Region IV Championship, taking place simultaneously from October 2nd to 6th, 2024, in Kigali.

The NCBA Nandi Bears Open Shield aims not only to crown a champion but also to promote the sport of golf across the region. NCBA is the main sponsor of the tournament joined by other local sponsors who have provided a platform for golfers to showcase their skills while encouraging participation at all levels.

The Prize Money for the event is set at Ksh. 400, 000, where the winner will walk away with Ksh. 92,500.

“We are happy to return to Nandi Bears Golf Club and extend our heartfelt thanks to the management for their exceptional organization. We also express our deep appreciation to our sponsors, led by NCBA, for their unwavering support of our elite golfers. NCBA has been with us for the last 2 years and the positive impact that this sponsorship has had to the golf and lives of our amatures is very positive. We would like to encourage more sponsors to follow suite and grow the sport,” said Brian Akun, Hon. Secretary of the Kenya Golf Union.

“This is one of the ongoing 28 events in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) 2024 Calendar organized by the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) and sponsored by NCBA which counts to The eventual  Golfer of the Year award. This will take place during the final round later on in December at Nyali Golf Club. It also offers a platform for golfers to earn points to the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR),” he added.

-ENDS-

About Kenya Golf Union:

Established in 1928, the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) is Kenya’s oldest continuous sports organization. Affiliated with the Ministry of Sports & Culture, the Royal & Ancient, and the International Golf Federation, KGU serves as the governing body for golf in Kenya, uniting 38 golf clubs and 2 golfing societies across the nation. The Union’s core objectives encompass the advancement, promotion, and protection of golfing interests within Kenya.

About NCBA Group:

NCBA Group is a full-service banking group providing a broad range of financial products and services to corporate, institutional, SME, and consumer banking customers. NCBA Group operates a network of more than 100 branches in five countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast. Serving over 60 million customers, the NCBA Group is the largest banking group in Africa by customer numbers.  NCBA Bank Kenya PLC is Kenya’s third-largest bank by assets. The Bank is set to play a key role in supporting Africa’s economic ambitions. The Bank is a market leader in Corporate Banking, Asset Finance, and Digital Banking.

Kenya Team Meets Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum for Flag Handover Ceremony Ahead of Africa Region IV Championship

Nairobi, 1^st October 2024 — The Kenya Team for the Africa Region IV Championship had the honor of meeting with the Ministry of Youth Affairs , Creative Economy and Sports, Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum during the flag handover ceremony held ton Tuesday 1st October 2024 at his office. The championship is set to take place from October 3rd to 6th, 2024, at the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas where they will compete against Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Seychelles , Reunion and the host nation, Rwanda.

The team comprises talented players Michael Karanga, John Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, and Adel Balala, who will be accompanied by KGU Vice Chairman and Tournaments Director Mr. Chris Kinuthia. This event marks a significant opportunity for the team to showcase their skills on a continental stage.

During the ceremony, PS Eng. Peter Tum emphasized the importance of establishing a golf development pathway to encourage continuity in the sport. He expressed his commitment to discussing potential funding for a professional league with the Federation, highlighting the need for current talented amateurs to have clear progression in their careers.

“Kenya is also keen on hosting the Africa Golf Confederation offices in Kenya,” said Philip Ochola – Chairman Kenya Golf Federation. “This would not only bolster our local golfing community but also position Kenya as a leading hub for golf development in the region.”

The Kenya Team is enthusiastic about representing the nation and aims to build on its past successes in the Africa Region IV Championship. With the support of the Ministry and the Golf Federation, the team is determined to excel and bring home the trophy.

For Immediate Release

Kenya Golf Union Names Team for 2024 Region IV Championship

Nairobi, Kenya 25^th September 2024 – The Kenya Golf Union is pleased to announce the team representing Kenya at the upcoming Region IV Championship, set to take place from October 4th to 6th, 2024, at the Kigali Golf Resort and Villas in Rwanda.

The selected team includes:

• Michael Karanga (Kiambu Golf Club) – Ranked 1st with 693 points
• John Lejirma (Kenya Railway Golf Club) – Ranked 2nd
• Elvis Muigua (Kiambu Golf Club) – Ranked 3rd
• Adel Balala (Nyali Golf and Country Club) – Ranked 4^th

The team will be defending their title for the coveted Region IV trophy, formerly known as the East Africa Challenge.

They depart for Rwanda on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, where they will compete against Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Seychelles , Reunion and the host nation, Rwanda.

Accompanying the team is Mr. Chris Kinuthia, Tournament Director for the Kenya Golf Union. Mr. Kinuthia confirmed that the team has undergone rigorous training for the past month under the guidance of National Team Coach John Van Liefland.

Team Captain John Lejirma conveyed strong confidence in the team’s readiness, saying, “I’m confident that the team is in great shape, and we will come back with the trophy.

REGION 4 – RWANDA 2024

OFFICIAL PROGRAM:

• 2^nd  October 2024

Teams Arrival

• 09:00 -Teams arrival at the course
• 10:00-13:00 -Practice Round Day 1 with official team start times
• 14:00- 16:00 -Teams transportation back to hotel

• 3^rd  October, 2024
  • 08:00 – 09:00 -Teams Registration

-Collection of flags and national anthems from all countries at the Pro-shop reception

• 10:00-13:00 -Practice Round Day 2 with official team start times
• 14:00 -Trustees Meeting TBC. Team Managers Briefing TBC
• 15:00 -Flag raising ceremony and official team photographs
• 17:00 -Welcome cocktail

• 4^th  October, 2024
  • 08:00-12:00 -1st round of the region 4 tournament
  • 14:00-18:00 – Supporter’s registration
  • 17:00 – Delegates Meeting TBC
• 5^th October, 2024
  • 08:00-12:00 -2^nd round of the region 4 tournament
  • 14:00-18:00 – Supporter’s registration and practice round

• 6^th October, 2024
  • 08:00-12:00 -3^rd and final round of the region 4 tournament
  • 14:00-18:00 – Supporter’s Tournament
  • 14:00 -Flag lowering ceremony
  • 19:30-23:00 -Gala Dinner & Prize presentation at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas Club Complex

18:00 – 19:00    – Transportation of teams from Century Park to KGR&V

22:00 – 23:00    – Transportation of teams from KGR&V to Century Park (organize own transport after)

• 7^th October, 2024
  • Teams Departure

NCBA Malindi Open and Vasco Da Gama Cup Set to Tee Off from September 20th to 22nd, 2024
Malindi, Kenya – The highly anticipated NCBA Malindi Open and Vasco Da Gama Cup will take place from September 20th to 22nd, 2024. The three days 54 holes stroke play Championship has drawn the Amateurs from across the Country where the players will play in the first two rounds after which the top 33 and ties will make the cut to the final round to be played on Sunday.
Among the top contenders are Kenya’s number one golfer and also the defending champion for the event- Michael Karanga from Kiambu Golf Club, Lejirma from Railway Golf Club and William Odek from Nyali Golf Club.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors who have come on board to support this event, particularly our main sponsor, NCBA Bank, for their continued commitment to this year’s series. Our appreciation also goes to I-sal, Jambo Jet, and Kilifi County Government for their invaluable support.
The total prize money for the tournament is five hundred twenty thousand Kenyan shillings(520,000/=), with the winner set to take home one hundred thirty thousand Kenyan shillings(130,000/=.
Additionally, this event will count towards the World Amateur Ranking Golf (WARG), adding further significance to this exciting tournament.

102nd NCBA Kenya Amateur Match play 2024

The 102nd NCBA Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship tees off on Thursday July 11th to Sunday July 14th, 2024 at Windsor Golf and Country Club. The event has drawn a diverse field of 78 players from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, United Kingdom, India, and South Africa.

Defending champion Michael Karanga is defending his title amidst tough competition from top amateur golfers.The championship will follow a rigorous format starting with strokeplay on day one played over 36 holes, where all participants will battle for a spot in the subsequent Match Play rounds.
Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship is a mens only tournament. The winner of this event will have an automatic slot to play in the 2025 Magical Kenya Open subject to meeting Kenya Golf Union(KGU) and DP world tour entry requirements.

“We are immensely grateful to NCBA for their steadfast support in providing a platform where our elite amateurs can thrive and potentially earn a livelihood,” remarked Chris Kinuthia, Tournament Director of the Kenya Golf Union. “Additionally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Windsor Golf and Country Club for graciously hosting this years event over the next four days.”

For Immediate release
Press Release

Kenya Golf Union Announces New Leadership for 2024/2025

Nairobi, Kenya 24th May 2024– The Kenya Golf Union (KGU) is proud to announce the newly elected leadership team for the 2024/2025 term. The elections were held on 24th May 2024 at Muthaiga Golf Club,

The newly elected officials are:

Chairman: David Ndungu
Vice Chairman: Chris Kinuthia
Hon. Treasurer: Karugu Macharia
Hon. Secretary: Brian Akun won 55 votes to win against Frank Wambua who garnered 39 votes
The KGU Executives include:
• James Gitonga: 75 votes
• Peter Mwaura: 73 votes
• Jonathan Marucha: 70 votes
• Robert Ngugi: 62 votes
• Weldon Mutai: 49 votes
• Liban Roba: 49 votes
The Kenya Golf Union congratulates all the elected officials and extends heartfelt gratitude to all members who participated in the election process. Their dedication and active involvement are crucial in fostering a vibrant and thriving golf community in Kenya.

David Ndungu, the newly elected Chairman, expressed his vision for the Union, stating, “As Chairman of KGU, my commitment is to ensure that the Union continues to play its role in making one-golf a reality. We aim to build on proper and solid foundations that will serve the sport for years to come. We are all on the same side, and we all want the same outcome. Having different approaches to how that outcome is achieved doesn’t make us adversaries; it makes us teammates and it just means we are human.”

The Kenya Golf Union looks forward to a prosperous term under the new leadership and anticipates significant strides in the development of golf in Kenya.

The Kenya Golf Union is delighted to announce that Rules School Level 2 is set to take place from June 19th to 21st, 2024, at the picturesque Thika Greens Golf Resort.

This event promises an enriching experience for golfers looking to deepen their understanding of the game’s rules and regulations. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills on the course.

Event Details:

Date: June 19th – 21st, 2024
Venue: Thika Greens Golf Resort
Entry Fee: 10,000 KSH
During this comprehensive program, participants will delve into various aspects of golf rules, including intricate scenarios and practical applications. Led by experienced instructors, you’ll gain invaluable insights that will elevate your game and ensure you play with confidence and precision.

Registration:https://forms.gle/ipd717cRu8xirTWS8

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to sharpen your understanding of golf rules while enjoying the serene surroundings of Thika Greens Golf Resort. We look forward to welcoming you to Rules School Level 2!