By KPC Sports Correspondent
Home player Jay Sandhu delivered another commanding performance to win the 2026 NCBA Muthaiga Open, the fifth leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit, further cementing his status as the man to beat this season.
Fresh from his triumph at the Windsor Classic, Sandhu maintained his red-hot form across three rounds, carding 69, 70 and 72 for a 2-under par total of 211.
He held off a strong field of 145 elite amateur golfers, including 15 juniors—four of whom progressed to the final round.
Despite a shaky stretch on the back nine with bogeys on holes 10, 13 and 14 during the final round, Sandhu steadied his game with crucial birdies on the 4th and 18th to seal the victory.
“Winning here at Muthaiga is always special, but to do it back-to-back after Windsor feels incredible,” Sandhu said.
“The course was playing fast, and I knew I had to stay patient when those bogeys crept in on the back nine. This win isn’t just about the trophy; it’s about the momentum we’re building for next year’s Magical Kenya Open qualification.”
Sandhu walked away with the winner’s prize of KSh 115,600 from the KSh 400,000 purse.
The race for second place proved equally competitive, with Royal Nairobi Golf Club’s John Lejirma mounting a strong challenge.
Lejirma fired a final round 71, highlighted by five birdies on holes 6, 7, 12, 15 and 18.
However, five bogeys proved costly, leaving him two shots behind Sandhu on level par 213 (69, 73, 71).
“It was a fight from the first tee to the last green,” said Lejirma, the defending KAGC champion.
“I felt like I had the birdies in me today, but a few dropped shots—especially on the par fours—kept the lead just out of reach. Two shots is a small margin at Muthaiga, but I’m happy with how I’m striking the ball.”
Michael Karanga completed the podium after an impressive and consistent showing.
He posted rounds of 73, 71 and a closing 70 to finish third at 1-over par 214, earning KSh 46,200.
Daniel Kiragu of Muthaiga Golf Club finished fourth at 3-over par 216, while Bo Ciera rounded out the top five on 4-over par 217.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, NCBA Ciata Mall Branch Manager Emmanuel Leitemu reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to growing the sport.
“At NCBA, we are incredibly proud to support the growth of golf in Kenya. Watching Jay Sandhu maintain his form and seeing the grit of players like Lejirma confirms that the standard of the KAGC is reaching new heights. The circuit is growing stronger with every leg, and we are proud to provide a platform that brings these athletes closer to their professional dreams,” he said.
With the win, Sandhu extends his lead at the top of the KAGC standings to 560 points.
Junior star Junaid Manji sits second with 334 points, while Lejirma moves into third on 230 points as the series gathers pace.