Youngster golfers Harish, Gachora show how it's done

Girls' 15-18 years-old-category winner Audrey Gachora. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

Kenya's Shashwat Harish returns to school after delivering a masterclass in Junior golf invitational tournament.

The youngster was the tournament's best performer with a phenomenal score of 10-under par 206 gross in the boys' 13-14 years category.

This was during the final three days of this year's NCBA Kenya Junior golf tournament that ended on Monday evening at the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club.

The tournament attracted 116 junior golfers from 10 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Harish's dominance was unmatched as he posted rounds of 70, 70, and an exceptional 66 gross on the final day to emerge tops.

"The course was in pristine condition, which made it easier for me and the other golfers. This tournament is the best score I have finished with so far; the other best score I did was a par, so I am very happy," said Harish.

He finished with a remarkable 23 strokes ahead of his nearest competitor Aidan Gachora, who was second with 13-over par 229gross.

Tied for third place were Shashank Gadre from Uganda and Kenya's Mwathi Gicheru, both scoring 14-over par 230 gross.

In the highly competitive Girls' 15-18 years-old category, Kenya's Audrey Gachora emerged as the star, displaying consistent brilliance across three rounds by finishing with a total 15-over-par 231 gross.

"The competition was very tough this year, but I really enjoyed playing and posting very good results. I am delighted to have been the best in my category, and also earning World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points," said Audrey Gachora.

"My goal is to continue improving my game this year and beyond with the hope of lowering my handicap and hopefully turning professional later."

She overcame fierce competition from fellow Kenyan golfers Maryam Mwakitawa, who came in second with a score of 18-over par 234 gross and Bianca Ngecu, who secured third place with a score of 22-over par 238 gross.

In the Boys' 15-18 years-old category, Kenya's Tsevi Soni clinched victory with a total score of 8-over par 224 gross.

Soni's three rounds 73, 78, 73 gross was enough to edge out Uganda's Anthony Otokei, who finished just one stroke behind at 225 gross after an impressive second-round of 71 gross.

Kenya's Nathan Mwangi and Dhruv Sanjay Patadia from Tanzania tied for third place with identical scores of 17 over par 233 gross.