East Africa’s finest golfers set to tee off at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club
By Lucky Oluoch, July 21, 2023The stage is set for an exciting weekend as the 2023 NCBA Golf Series returns to Kenya, with the prestigious Royal Nairobi Golf Club ready to host the ninth leg of the series.
After the tremendous success of the eighth leg at Uganda Golf Club in Kampala last weekend, where more than 200 skilled golfers competed for coveted slots in the grand finale later this year, all eyes are now on the Royal event.
Over 200 talented golfers are expected to tee off at the par-72 course, vying for their chance to secure a spot in the finals.
The competition will be fierce, with winners emerging in various categories, including overall gross, men’s, women’s, and juniors’.
The NCBA Golf Series serves a dual purpose: promoting the sport of golf across the East African region and fostering a stronger connection between NCBA Bank and its customers through their shared passion for the game.
This year’s edition comprises a total of 17 club qualifier events held at prestigious golf clubs in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Expressing his enthusiasm ahead of the tournament, John Gachora, the NCBA Group Managing Director, shared, “We are thrilled to bring the NCBA Golf Series back to Kenya and have the Royal Nairobi Golf Club as our host for the ninth leg of the series.
The level of competitiveness and passion we witnessed from the golfers at the previous leg held at Uganda Golf Club was remarkable, and we anticipate the same at the Royal event.”
“The NCBA Golf Series not only promotes golf but also aims to strengthen the bond between NCBA Bank and our valued customers.
It presents a unique and enjoyable opportunity for us to engage with our customers.
With a total of 17 club qualifier events spanning Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, we are committed to expanding the reach of the NCBA Golf Series and creating more opportunities for golfers in the region.
We wish all the participants the best of luck and eagerly anticipate an exciting tournament at Royal,” added Gachora.
Established in 1906, Royal Nairobi Golf Club holds the distinction of being the oldest golf society in Kenya. Starting as a 9-hole course with sand greens, it later expanded to a fully grassed 18-hole course in the 1920s.
Meanwhile, excitement is building up as the KCB East Africa Golf Tour enters its 8th leg at the beautiful Nyeri Golf Club, boasting a challenging par 72 course, this weekend.
With the much-anticipated tournament just around the corner, golfers from all over the country are preparing to showcase their skills, as over 100 participants representing different golf clubs gear up for the competition.
The KCB golf series has already left a significant mark on the golfing landscape, having successfully covered Kakamega, Kisumu, Nairobi, and Kiambu counties, attracting more than 1,000 participants. Notably, they have also conducted specialised clinics for ladies and juniors, engaging over 500 enthusiastic learners.
The Chief Executive Officer of KCB Group, Paul Russo, expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to supporting and developing the sport at the grassroots level.
“The KCB Golf series heads to the second oldest golf course in the country this weekend with an aim of reaching more people to improve the sport and to also offer our customers an opportunity to interact and network with various business people away from the normal office setting.”
In the previous leg at Thika, golfing talents Samuel Njunu, Linda Kinyua, Julius Wanyaga, and Susan Irungu put on a spectacular display of skill, clinching victory with an impressive combined score of 139 points. Such high-stakes competitions inspire other golfers to put their best foot forward and bring their A-game to the upcoming event.
Excitement fills the air as the golfers look forward to their time in Nyeri. Jacob Nyaga, the Captain of Nyeri Golf Club, is thrilled to host the event, assuring participants of a memorable and successful tournament.
He offered: Nyeri offers a conducive environment for a golf outing and the balmy weather makes golfers enjoy the fairways as much as they can. We look forward to an action-packed weekend.”
Beyond the golfing action, KCB is also organizing a special customer engagement dinner this evening, providing an excellent platform for building lasting relationships. Additionally, the juniors and ladies will have their golf clinics on Sunday in the afternoon, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth in the sport.
As the Nyeri edition concludes, participants eagerly await the next leg in Nakuru County on August 5, where the competition will undoubtedly continue to be fierce.