Tayebjee wins 14th leg of NCBA Series at Sigona

Ladies category winner of the NCBA Golf Series Rachael Ndei receives her award from Charles Omondi, the NCBA acting Director of Corporate banking at Sigona on September 16, 2023. [Courtesy]

Home golfer Haniff Tayebjee is the winner of the 14th leg of the NCBA Golf Series held at Sigona Golf Club over the weekend.

Playing off handicap two, Tayebjee fired a remarkable 75 gross to carry the day among 266 golfers who took part in the cutthroat contest.

During the occasion, Tayebjee displayed exceptional skill and determination to clinch the overall title of the final Kenyan qualifier event in the series that also incorporates other East African nations.

He fended off strong opposition from Alishaam Merali who also showcased his golfing prowess, claiming top spot in the men's category with an impressive score of 77 gross, surpassing Shivam Shah, who emerged men’s runners up on 81 gross.

In the ladies' division, Rachael Ndei dazzled with a score of 83 gross to secure the top spot. Playing off a handicap 10, Ndei outmaneuvered Jaini Shah, who took the second place on 89 gross.

Among the junior competitors, Viraj Shah, playing off handicap four, demonstrated exceptional talent to emerge top on 86 gross.

Handicap 22 Sagar Batt and handicap 32 Sally Ndemi scored 64 and 71 nett apiece to emerge men and ladies winners in the category.

In other results, Krish Shah emerged victorious in the longest drive challenge among the men, while Ndei added another feather in her cap by winning the ladies contest.

While reflecting on her impressive performance, Ndei stated: "It was a fantastic day on the course, my drives were exceptional, this played a significant role in my victories.

“Although my putting wasn't at its best, I am quite delighted with my overall performance. I am eagerly looking forward to the Grand Finale.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NCBA for the series sponsorship, which provides us with the opportunity to play and enhance our skills."

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, William Muguima, NCBA Group Corporate Business Manager, said: "Today was a remarkable day of golf. We witnessed great turnout, and the level of golf displayed was truly outstanding, as evident from the final scores.

“This event marked the last qualifying process in the country, with the remaining three legs set to be held in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, expanding the series experience beyond our borders.

"As we conclude the Kenyan qualifiers, we extend our appreciation to the golfing community for their invaluable support. Their support has not only elevated the golfing experience but has also played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of this sport within our community. For that, we are immensely grateful. We eagerly anticipate our return to Sigona for the Grand Finale scheduled for December this year," he said.

The Series has attracted the participation of over 2,500 golfers since it teed off in March this year. It now moves to the Gymkhana Golf Club in Tanzania later this month, followed by the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas in mid-October, with the final qualifying contest on the calendar taking place at the Entebbe Golf Club at the end of October.

The Series Grand Finale will be held in December at the Sigona Golf Club where winners from the respective qualifying events will battle it out for the season’s ultimate crowning.

Results of the NCBA Golf Series in Sigona

Overall winner: Haniff Tayebjee

Men’s winner: Alishaam Merali

Men’s runners up: Shivam Shah

Ladies winner: Rachael Ndei

Ladies runners up: Jaini Shah

Junior winner: Viraj Shah

Men’s nett winner: Sagar Batt

Ladies nett winner: Sally Ndemi

Men’s Longest Drive winner: Krish Shah

Ladies Longest Drive winner: Sally Ndei