George Makori and Ashley Awuor claimed victory in the fiercely contested Division One category of the NCBA Golf Series, held on Saturday, September 28th, at Royal Nairobi Golf Club. Over 250 golfers competed at the par-72 course, all aiming for a spot in the NCBA Series Grand Finale set for November 29th.
In the men’s Division One, Makori, playing off a handicap of 10, faced a close battle with Sunil Parmar. Both finished with 39 points, but Makori secured the win on a countback, leaving Parmar to take second place. In the ladies’ Division One, Ashley Awuor, with a handicap of 5, put on a stellar performance, scoring 38 points to surpass Diana Mbuba (handicap 7), who finished with 36 points.
Nicholas Malaki (handicap 18) and Christine Mathenge (handicap 24) impressed in Division Two, scoring 42 and 44 points, respectively. Tesha Magira emerged as the overall winner in Division Three, posting a score of 44 off a handicap of 30.
Shawn Malesi triumphed in the junior category with 35 points off a handicap of 12, while Don Tororei and Rahab Thuo claimed the guest and staff categories.
Makori, Awuor, Malaki, Mathenge, Magira, and Malesi join over 100 other golfers, including three from Rwanda, who have secured their spots in the Grand Finale. A highlight of the day came when Constantine Barasa dazzled the crowd with a spectacular hole-in-one at the 167-yard par-3 hole 17.
Speaking at the event, NCBA Group Acting Corporate Banking Director, Charles Omondi, praised the level of competition and reiterated the bank’s commitment to fostering regional unity through golf.
“We are extremely proud of the growth and enthusiasm throughout the series since its launch here at this venue. Our support for golf now extends across Kenya and into Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, promoting regional unity through the sport,” Omondi said.
“As we gear up for the grand finale at Muthaiga Golf Club, I congratulate today’s winners and all the participants. The meaningful engagements we’ve had during the series will continue, and we look forward to the finale in November,” he added.
In line with its sustainability goals, NCBA also planted over 100 indigenous trees at the club, contributing to environmental conservation and enhancing the green spaces. The series now moves to Uganda, with Entebbe Club hosting the final qualifying round next weekend.