Golf Park’s Josphat Rono captured his maiden NCBA Trans Nzoia Open crown with a hard-fought victory at the picturesque Kitale Golf Club, edging Kenya Railways’ Isaac Makokha by two strokes after three intense rounds.

Rono who previously won the 2024 Golf Park Open posted rounds of 75, 69 and 76 to seal the win with a one-over-par total of 220, holding off a strong challenge from early leader Makokha, who carded rounds of 73, 76, and 73 to finish second on 222.

Nakuru’s John Kamais surged late with the tournament’s best final round (a superb 71) to claim third spot on 225, while steady performances saw Golf Park’s Sammy Mulama (226) and Kisii’s Geoffrey Karioki (228) round out the top five.

The tight contest among the top 10 also featured strong showings from Eldoret’s Kenneth Serem (229), Muthaiga’s Eugine Wafula and Golf Park’s Raphael Leming’ani (both 230), Nandi Bears’ Elly Barno (231) and home favourite Wilson Wafula (232).

For his effort, Rono pocketed Sh63,700 from the Sh174,000 prize purse, courtesy of NCBA Bank’s sponsorship of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series. The event, part of the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), also offered players valuable international points.

“This is a dream come true,” an emotional Rono said after his victory, adding, “The final round was tough, but I stayed patient and trusted my game. I’m grateful to KGU, Golf Park, and NCBA for supporting Kenyan golf.”

Elsewhere, Golf Park’s Martin Muritu and William Aluku dominated the club’s leg of the 2025 NCBA Golf Series over the weekend, both finishing with 42 points, with Muritu clinching the Overall Winner title on countback.

Roy Shirekuli (41 points) settled for Men’s Runner-up, while in the Ladies’ category, Nimra Devi (36 points) edged out Audrey Khaleji (31 points) for top honours. Violet Luchendo and Patrick Langat took Guest Winner and Runner-up prizes respectively, while Jared Onyach topped the sponsor category.