By KPC Sports Reporter
Michael Karanga of Kiambu Golf Club emerged victorious in the 2025 NCBA Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship, defeating South Africa’s Prannay Kapur in a dramatic final that went to sudden death at Sigona Golf Club.
The championship match unfolded over 36 regulation holes; 18 in the morning and 18 in the afternoon, with both players displaying exceptional skill, mental fortitude, and composure.
Deadlocked after the full round, the contest extended into a playoff, where Karanga sealed the win on the first extra hole, clinching the title on the 37th.
With this triumph, Karanga becomes the first player to earn a coveted spot in the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, part of the DP World Tour.
He also walks away with a cash prize of KSh 130,000 and 300 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) points, boosting his standing in the national rankings.
Elite Field and Continental Flair
Held from July 24–27, the NCBA Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship drew 78 top-tier amateur golfers from across Africa.
Participating nations included Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Mauritius, and Tanzania, underscoring the growing prestige and competitive depth of the regional amateur circuit.
The event is a key fixture in the 2025 Kenya Swing Series, a premier segment of the KAGC calendar aimed at raising the standard of amateur golf in Kenya and fostering cross-border competition.
The Kenya Golf Union expressed its appreciation to NCBA Bank for their continued sponsorship and to Sigona Golf Club for hosting the event and maintaining world-class playing conditions throughout the tournament.
As the Kenya Swing Series continues, attention now shifts to the Strokeplay Championship, scheduled for July 31 to August 3 at Vet Lab Sports Club, where more top contenders will vie for ranking points and a shot at golfing glory.