The 2024 edition of the NCBA Golf Series teed off yesterday at the Kenya Railway Golf Club with 145 golfers taking to the course to challenge for victory across various divisions.

In Division One, featuring players with handicaps of upto 12, Kenneth Mburu, playing off handicap 12, emerged victorious after carding 38 stableford points; while John Kamenyi, playing off handicap eight, secured the runner-up position after carding 37 points on the day.

In Division Two, pitting players with handicaps ranging from 13 to 24, Ronald Wekesa, playing off handicap 16 claimed the men’s category title after recording 43 points; while Jane Ndirangu, playing off handicap 22, emerged victorious with 36 points among the ladies.

In the Division Three contest, comprising players with handicaps of 25 and above, Kimaita Magiri, playing off handicap 26, clinched victory with after carding 42 points.

In other subsidiary categories, Saruni Meely, playing off handicap 25, was the winner amongst the junior golfes, after she carded a round of 30 points; while Steve Mutungi, playing off handicap 26, was the Guest winner having carded 40 points. Among the NCBA staff, Charles “Sirkal” Omondi, NCBA Group Acting Director for Retail Banking, claimed the Staff winner title with 33 points, playing off handicap 21.

Speaking at the event, NCBA Group Acting Director of Retail Banking, Charles Omondi said:

“Today’s tournament has reminded us of the transformative power of sports in bringing people together, inspiring greatness, and forging lasting connections. As we reflect on the events of today, we are filled with optimism and excitement for the journey ahead. The NCBA Golf Series not only signifies the commencement of an exhilarating golfing journey across East Africa but also reaffirms NCBA Group’s unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and development of golf in our region.”

“NCBA recognizes the importance of providing platforms beyond banking services for interaction with our customers. The NCBA Golf Series serves as a unique opportunity for us to engage with our customers and partners in a relaxed and enjoyable setting, strengthening relationships and fostering a sense of community. Through initiatives like the NCBA Golf Series, we aim to demonstrate our commitment to supporting activities that matter to our customers, building trust, and creating memorable experiences that go beyond banking,” he added.

The 2024 NCBA Golf Series comprises 23 qualifying events – 14 in Kenya, three in Uganda, three in Rwanda, two in Tanzania, and one in Zanzibar – which will be a build-up to a grand finale to be held on the 29th of November at the Muthaiga Golf Club.

Six players from the qualifying events, among them the Division One Male and Lady Winner; Division Two Male Winner and Lady Winner; Division Three Overall Winner; and the overall Junior Winner will qualify to play at the grand finale in November.

The series now heads to the Nakuru Golf Club on the 24th of March 2024, for the second leg.