Amateurs battle at 2024 Muthaiga Open

Kenya Railway’s John Lejirma. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

An estimated 165 leading Amateurs across the globe including 141 Kenyans are  expected  to showcase their finest talents in the golf sport through  54 holes of intense play covering three days in the 2024 Muthaiga Open Championship teeing off at the par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club Course in Nairobi.

The tourney that runs to Sunday, March 10th, features participants representing 7 Countries namely Kenya, India, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Norway, and Great Britain with a contingent of 9 confident Kenyan ladies poised to make their mark and challenge their male counterparts on the course.

This event supported by NCBA Bank will be the fourth Kenya Golf Union (KGU) organized tourney in this year’s Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Calendar after the Sigona Bowl at the Sigona Golf Club, the inaugural Great Rift Valley Championship in Naivasha and last weekend’s Windsor Classic.

Kiambu’s youthful golfer Elvis Muigua will be among the notable players to watch after dominating the KAGC series by claiming victories at the Sigona Bowl, Great Rift Valley Championship, and the Windsor Classic.

Muigua faces stiff competition from defending champion and Club mate Mike Karanga, promising an electrifying showdown on the course while other notable contenders include Adel Balala, John Lejirma, and Dennis Maara, all of whom are poised to showcase their skill and determination in pursuit of victory.

It is worth noting that the Muthaiga Open tournament holds significance beyond its local impact, as it qualifies for both the Kenya Amateur Golf Ranking and the World Amateur Golf Ranking. And also provides players with a valuable opportunity to enhance their standing on both national and international stages, further elevating the prestige of the event.

Kenya Golf Union Chairman Philip Ochola said that the Union is delighted by the great support from NCBA Bank noting that the financial institution has committed to supporting Community development initiatives including the sport of golf.

“Their unwavering dedication to fostering a vibrant and thriving golfing community is deeply appreciated, and their contribution ensures the success of this esteemed event. As anticipation continues to build for the Muthaiga Open, excitement is palpable among golf enthusiasts and players alike. With its rich tradition, competitive field, and generous sponsorship from NCBA Bank, the tournament is poised to deliver yet another unforgettable chapter in the annals of golfing greatness, “said Ochola.

The total prize money for the tournament stands at an impressive Ksh. 350,000, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation for participants.

The kitty will be distributed among the top 15 players following the conclusion of all three rounds  and the Overall winner of the tournament will not only claim the prestigious trophy and title champion but will also be awarded a cash prize of Ksh. 89,200.

The KGU calendar this year has 28 legs with the last one being the Nyali Open to be staged at Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa County on December 13th to 15th.

This year will also see the return of Diani Masters that will be played at the Diani’s Diamond Leisure Golf Resort in South Coast of Mombasa, Kwale County from October 18th, to 20th after a four year absence.

Meanwhile, Kenya Association of Women in Tourism is set to host a golf Charity tournament at the Diani’s par 72 Diamond Leisure Golf Resort Course, in South Coast of Mombasa, Kwale County tomorrow on Saturday.

Club Lady Captain Caroline Mokaya said the event supported by several corporations is expected to feature over 140 golfers drawn from the home Club, Mombasa, Nyali, Vipingo Ridge, Malindi and other friends of Association across the Country with valid handicaps.

Mokaya said all preparations and the course is ready for the day and that the dress code on the course shall be a golf skirt and white in the evening.