Defending champion Elvis Muigua will be among the 115 golfers battling for top honours at the NCBA Great Rift Valley Championship, which begin today through Sunday at the scenic Great Rift Valley Lodge.

The 54-hole stroke play tournament, a key event in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series, promises high-stakes competition, with players vying for valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points and a share of the Sh225,000 prize purse. 

After two rounds, the field will be trimmed to the top 33 players, including ties, for the final round on 16th February.

Among the notable contenders looking to challenge Muigua for the title are Daniel Kiragu, Sammy Mulama as well as Josphat Rono.

Adding to the tournament’s competitive edge, female golfers Kellie Gachaga (Karen Country Club) and Diana Mbuba (Royal Nairobi Golf Club) will also take to the course. The champion will walk away with Sh55,300. 

Speaking ahead of the tournament, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to developing the sport, emphasising that their partnership with the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) aims to create opportunities for both elite and emerging golfers.

“This leg of the KAGC series reflects our dedication to growing golf in Kenya. We look forward to an exciting competition as players fight for an early advantage on the leaderboard,” he said. 

Tournament Director and KGU vice chairman Chris Kinuthia echoed these sentiments, highlighting the championship’s role in sharpening the skills of Kenyan golfers.

“We are thrilled to host a strong field this year. The players’ commitment to this series is commendable, and we extend our gratitude to NCBA Bank for their unwavering support in elevating the game,” he stated. 

The tournament, governed by R&A Rules and local KAGC regulations, is expected to deliver rip-roaring action as the 2025 golf season gains momentum.