Mary Kandu’s brilliant performance at the Nyali Golf & Country Club leg of the NCBA Golf Series has secured her a well-deserved spot in the grand finale of the prestigious tournament. Kandu, playing off a handicap of 11, successfully defended her ladies’ Division One title with an impressive 36-point win, solidifying her place among the elite golfers who will compete at the Muthaiga Golf Club on 29 November.
Kandu’s victory was a testament to her consistency and dedication, particularly after last year’s nail-biting win on a countback. This time around, she enjoyed a more comfortable triumph at the par-71 course, overcoming stiff competition to punch her ticket to the final stage of the 2024 series.
Kandu’s Winning Streak Continues
The Nyali event, which served as the penultimate leg of the NCBA Golf Series, attracted over 200 golfers, all aiming to secure their place in the grand finale. Among them, Mary Kandu stood out with her dominant performance in the ladies’ Division One. Reflecting on her win, Kandu expressed her excitement about competing in the finale:
“The course was really good although we had some rain. It feels nice that I will be participating in the grand finale and playing against the elite golfers in the country. I look forward to playing at Muthaiga, and I hope to win,” she said.
Her confidence is well-founded, given her ability to fend off tough competition year after year. With the Muthaiga finale fast approaching, Kandu has her sights set on adding another trophy to her growing collection.
Emmanuel Lumatete Triumphs in Men’s Division One
In the men’s Division One, it was Emmanuel Lumatete who emerged victorious after a thrilling countback. Lumatete, playing off a handicap of 8, scored 39 points, narrowly edging out Aydan Jama, who also finished with 39 points but lost on the countback. Lumatete credited his win to the competitive spirit within his four-ball group, highlighting the mental strength required to maintain focus throughout all 18 holes.
“I attribute my win today to my four-ball, which was very competitive. Golf is a game of mental strength, and I believe I played well from the first to the 18th hole. There is the finale to be played in Nairobi, and I hope to emerge as the best of the best,” Lumatete said.
His victory not only earned him a spot in the finale but also showcased his ability to perform under pressure. With the grand finale set to feature some of the best golfers from Kenya and across the region, Lumatete will need to bring his A-game if he is to claim the top honors.
Faith Muteti Dominates Division Two
In the women’s Division Two, Faith Muteti delivered a standout performance, scoring 45 points to claim the top spot. Muteti, playing off a handicap of 18, left her competitors in the dust with her excellent play, securing her place in the grand finale at Muthaiga.
Muteti’s win highlights the depth of talent in this year’s NCBA Golf Series, where both experienced and up-and-coming players have excelled. As she prepares for the final leg, Muteti will be eager to continue her strong form and compete for the ultimate prize.
Other Standout Performances at Nyali
The Nyali Golf & Country Club leg of the series saw several other notable performances across different divisions. In Division Three, Jack Mureithi, playing off a handicap of 36, posted an impressive 45 points to emerge as the overall winner. Meanwhile, David Kaguru dominated the junior category, securing his place in the finale with 43 points off a handicap of 35.
In the staff and guest categories, Agnes Nyambura and Wangoru Kihara took home the honors, posting 33 and 38 points, respectively.
The Road to the Finale
As the NCBA Golf Series approaches its grand finale, the competition is intensifying. So far, 100 golfers have qualified for the final round, including six from Uganda and three from Rwanda, further adding to the regional prestige of the tournament. The upcoming final local qualifying leg will take place at the Great Rift Valley Lodge on 26 October, where more golfers will have one last chance to secure their spot in the finale.
The grand finale at Muthaiga Golf Club promises to be an exciting event, featuring some of the best golfers from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The course, known for its challenging layout and prestigious history, will provide the perfect setting for the ultimate showdown.
NCBA’s Growing Impact on Regional Golf
The NCBA Golf Series has grown into one of the most significant golfing events in East Africa. Speaking at the event, Dennis Njau, Director of Network Business and Distribution at NCBA, congratulated the winners and expressed pride in the tournament’s regional reach.
“I congratulate the winners of the day following their exemplary display on the course. Their hard work earned them the chance to play at the coveted finale. We wish them well and hope they will represent this great club well. The series has grown, and this year we have spread our golfing wings around the region to cover Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, who will have representatives playing at the grand finale in Nairobi next month,” Njau stated.
With the series expanding its footprint across East Africa, the NCBA Golf Series continues to play a vital role in promoting golf within the region and providing a platform for talented golfers to showcase their skills.
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