Home stars Sandeep Matharu and Zipporah Gichigi stole the spotlight at Sigona Golf Club at the weekend emerging as top performers in the 16th leg of the 2025 NCBA Golf Series. 

Matharu, playing off handicap 2, carded an impressive 72 gross to secure the Overall Gross Winner (Men) title, while Gichigi, playing off handicap 7, took top honours in the ladies’ category with 86 gross in one of the most hotly contested rounds of the series so far. 

The day saw at least 260 golfers from across the region brave cold weather to compete in a variety of divisions, all eyeing a coveted slot at the Grand Finale slated for November at Muthaiga Golf Club. 

Division One (handicap 5-12) witnessed a strong showing from Saahil Shah (handicap 10), who posted 40 points to clinch the title and also walked away with the Longest Drive award among the men, underlining a fine all-round display. 

In Division Two (handicap 13-24), Milan Varsani (handicap 18) emerged victorious among the men with 42 points, while Jane Njau (handicap 14) led the ladies with 33 points. Jane also topped the Longest Drive contest among female golfers. 

The Division Three title (handicap 25 and above) went to Bharat Lakhani, who registered the day’s highest stableford score, 43 points, to win the category. Among guest players, Tonny Tugee (handicap 12) stood out with 38 points. 

Other accolades included Nearest to the Pin honours, which went to William Moturi and Mukami Wachira in the men’s and ladies’ categories respectively. 

Speaking during the prize ceremony, NCBA Bank’s ABC Place Branch Manager Rose Mburu applauded the spirited turnout and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to regional golf development. 

“Golf remains a key priority for NCBA. This year alone, we have allocated over KES 60 million to support golf initiatives in East Africa,” she said.  

“We believe the sport builds character, unites communities, and inspires across all levels.” The NCBA Golf Series now heads to Rwanda on July 13 before returning to the Kenyan coast for the Mombasa Golf Club leg on July 22, as players across the region continue their quest for Series glory.