By KPC Sports Correspondent
Seasoned golfers delivered a masterclass performance on Saturday during the 2026 NCBA Golf Series qualifying leg held at Muthaiga Golf Club, where veterans outshone a competitive field of 270 players, including 16 juniors.
Former club captain Rajesh Bhabra emerged as the Overall Gross Winner after carding an impressive 72 Gross off handicap 6, setting the pace in a tournament where experience proved decisive.
Nancy Ndungu (handicap 11) reinforced the seniors’ dominance by clinching the Overall Lady Winner title with 86 Gross, reclaiming the crown she last won in 2023.
In the runners-up positions, Bo Ciera finished as Male Runner-Up on 77 Gross off handicap 4, while another senior golfer, Florence Maina (handicap 13), secured the Lady Runner-Up slot after posting 87 Gross—further cementing the strong showing by veteran players.
The contest for third and fourth places was tightly fought. Junior golfer Peter Mwindi (handicap 9) returned 79 Gross to take third position, while Dennis Muriithi (handicap 11) followed closely with 80 Gross to finish fourth.
Alpha Ndungu (handicap 6) stood out among the juniors, claiming the Junior Winner title with an impressive 79 Gross.
The top performers from Muthaiga now join qualifiers from Royal Nairobi Golf Club and Kericho Golf Club on the roster of players who have secured slots in the Grand Finale scheduled for November.
In subsidiary categories, John Gachora, the Group Managing Director of NCBA Group, claimed the Staff Winner prize with 39 points, while Ken Monari was named Guest Winner with 37 points.
Speaking after the event, Gachora praised the high level of competition and growing participation.
“It has been a wonderful day of golf. The course played beautifully, and the energy from players and supporters alike has been truly inspiring. The growing turnout and rising level of competition are exactly why we expanded the 2026 NCBA Golf Series to give more golfers the platform to challenge themselves and elevate the game,” he said.
He added that the bank remains committed to nurturing talent across all levels, noting pride in NCBA-sponsored professionals who have qualified for this year’s Magical Kenya Open.
The series now heads to the coast, with the next leg—the Mombasa Golf Club Mug—set for February 28 at Mombasa Golf Club, following successful outings in Nairobi, Kericho, and Muthaiga.
