Amateurs hunt for 2026 Kenya Open slots
Golf
By
Mose Sammy
| Jul 24, 2025
As top amateurs battle it out in the 104th edition of the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) - sanctioned Kenya Swing, the Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championship from Thursday, July 24th, to Sunday, July 27th, 2025, has drawn top-tier amateur golfers from across the globe.
Traditionally, a men-only championship played over 54 holes, the event upholds the highest standard of amateur golf in the region.
A diverse field of 78 competitors from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Mauritius, Tanzania, India and Austria will battle it out for the revered title on the fairways and greens.
Among them are some of Kenya's most promising talents, including Michael Karanga and Elvis Muigua of St Andrews - Ndumberi Golf Club, and Ebil Omollo of Vet Lab Sports Club.
Others are Adel Balala of Nyali Golf and Country Club as well as John Lejirma of the Royal Nairobi Golf Club.
Also in the mix are a contingent of rising junior golfers from Kenya's youth development programs, including Sigona's homeboy, Tsevi Soni, Kevin Anyien of The Golf Park and Krish Shah of Vet Lab Sports Club, who will be in action alongside seasoned competitors, showcasing the bright future of Kenyan golf.
Spicing up the international flair will be Pranay Kapur from the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club in South Africa, who is still in the 2025 Kabete Open title glory, which he won last weekend at the Vet Lab course. Others are Gilbert Chwale (Zambia), Felix Dusabe (Rwanda), Joseph Cwinywaai (Uganda), and Gabriel Le Court from Mauritius.
Notable absentee is the defending champion, Michael Alunga from Uganda.
At stake is a total purse of Shs694,000, with the overall winner taking home Shs130,000 and securing an automatic qualification to the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.
In addition to this, the winner will also earn local players Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC), ranking points and their World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) status.
The Sigona course has been meticulously prepared to meet international standards and provide for a World-class event.
We are deploying advanced scoring and tracking systems to ensure accuracy, transparency, and a seamless experience for both players and spectators," stated Brian Akun, Vice Chairman/Tournaments Director, KGU.