Kenyan professional golfers faced a tough challenge at the Kinshasa Open golf tournament in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The best placing for the Kenyan players was a joint fourth-place finish by Greg Snow, Justus Madoya, and Edwin Mudanyi, who all fired a total of 224 gross, the same as Zambia’s Sydney Wemba. Each of them earned a prize of $1,300.
The defending champion of the Kinshasa Open, Robson Chinhoi, tied for first place with France’s Lacaze Aubin. They both earned a prize of $7,500. Chinhoi shot rounds of 73, 74, and 70, while Aubin posted scores of 71, 72, and 74.
Meanwhile, back in Kenya, Haniff Tayebjee emerged as one of the leading golfers at Sigona Golf Club, winning the 14th leg of the NCBA Golf series. Tayebjee posted a three-over-par 75 gross score to claim victory. In the men’s category, Alishaam Merali took the top prize with a score of 77 gross, followed by Shivam Shah in second place with 81 gross. Rachael Ndei won the ladies division with a score of 83 gross, and Viraj Shah claimed the junior title with a score of 86 gross.
In the Nett categories, Sagar Batt and Sally Ndemi won the men’s and ladies nett titles with scores of 64 and 71 nett, respectively. Krish Shah won the Longest Drive challenge among the men, and Rachael Ndei triumphed in the ladies category.
The Kinshasa Open marked the end of the series in Kenya, with the remaining three legs set to be held in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, expanding the series experience beyond the country’s borders. Sigona Golf Club will also host the Grand Finale in December, where winners from the qualifying events will compete for the season’s ultimate crowning.
In another golf tournament, Captain Collins Maroa took the overall title at the Kenya Air Force Commander’s Cup golf tournament, held at the Great Rift Valley Golf Resort in Naivasha. Maroa carded an impressive 42 stableford points to secure victory. Valine Akoth claimed the ladies prize in the division two category, posting 41 points.
Major E. Murunga won the division one category, and Major General John Omenda, the Kenya Air Force Commander, expressed his expectations for the sport’s growth and development. KCB Bank Kenya also sponsored the tournament and expressed its commitment to sports sponsorships.
Other winners in recent tournaments include George Njuguna at the Golden Swings golf day held at Ruiru Sports Club, Peter Gathuri at the Nomadic Golf series at Nyali Golf and Country Club, and various winners in different categories.
The golfing scene in Kenya continues to showcase the skills and talent of its players, both locally and internationally. With upcoming tournaments in East Africa, the golfing community looks forward to more exciting competitions and the growth of the sport regionally.