No Karanga as KAGC Series heads to Golf Park

Dennis Maara and John Lejirmah

Dennis Maara (right) follows the progress of his tee shot from 18th hole tee, as John Lejirmah looks on during the fourth leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series, the Winston Churchill Cup, at Thika Sports Club on April 01, 2023. 

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • The 70 amateurs who have been drawn will battle it out for the top cash prize and the trophy
  • Leading the pack to Golf Park will be the defending Champion John Lejirmah from Kenya Railway Golf Club who won the inaugural event
  • Also listed in former Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Champion Adel Balala, and former Kenya Amateur Match Play Champion Isaac Makokha



The search for World Amateur Golf Ranking and Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series Order of Merit points, is on this weekend where Kenya’s leading amateur golfers converge at the nine-hole Golf Park course from Friday, for the second edition of the Golf Park Open.

Coming after the Winston Churchill Cup at Thika Sports Club where national team captain Dennis Maara scored his first KAGC title this year, this weekend’s action at the semi-public Golf Park course at Ngong Racecourse, has attracted a field of 70 players.

And unlike last year’s first edition which was played over 36-hole, this year's event will be played over 54-hole from Friday to Sunday. The course was upgraded to 54 holes in order to create opportunities for the top amateurs to earn World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.

The 70 amateurs who have been drawn will battle it out for the top cash prize and the trophy. 23 professionals will join the amateurs for the second and third rounds, though the pros will be fighting it for separate cash prizes.

Leading the pack to Golf Park will be the defending Champion John Lejirmah from Kenya Railway Golf Club who won the inaugural event. Stiff competition is however expected from of course Dennis Maara, while other notables include two former juniors; Kiambu Golf Club’s Elvis Muigua and Sigona Golf Club’s Ngondo Kimemia.

Also listed in former Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Champion Adel Balala, and former Kenya Amateur Match Play Champion Isaac Makokha.

Three titles winner already this year and current leader in the KAGC series Michael Karanga is away in South Africa where he will be participating in the Western Province Amateur Championship at the Strand Golf Club from April 17 to 19.

Also missing will be the leading lady golfers who have their own 54-hole Kenya Ladies Golf Union Open Meeting at Vet Lab Sports Club also from Friday. 

The ladies listed to battle it out at the KLGU event being sponsored by KCB, will include home players Mercy Nyanchama, Agnes Nyakio, and Frankie Gichuru.

The field of 60 ladies also include Kiambu’s Joyce Wanjiru, and former ladies champion Mary Karano of Vet Lab who makes a come- back in the KLGU national events after a four absence.

Though she has been away for sometime, Karano has a wealth of experience having featured in national and international events, and will be interesting to see how she performs against the youngsters.

Speaking on the event, KCB Group Director Marketing and Communications, Rosalind Gichuru said, “We are glad to have partnered with the Kenya Ladies Golf Union, to host this first event on our calendar. This sponsorship speaks to the tour’s goal of expanding the reach of the sport of golf across the region.”

“This is why we will also be hosting a women’s clinic on Friday and a junior clinic on Sunday, to expand the reach of the sport. In addition to this weekend, we will be hosting another two ladies-only events during the tour," she added. 

Weekend golf fixtures 

Golf Park

Friday; Golf Open 2023 sponsored by Kingdom Bank; 7.00 F. Ng'aru, S. Kiaro; 7.10 L. Njoroge, B. Odhiambo; 7.20 PK. Ndung'u, R. Muthugia, S. Etaan; 7.30 E. Kinisu, K. Barasa, C. Munuve; 7.40 K. Gatiramu, J. O chieng', D. Rono; 7.50 F. Lasker, J Gathumbi, G. Opiyo; 8.00 E. Wekesa, J. Waithaka, E. Muigwa; 8.10 JK Koina, R. Odero, D. Chesumei; 8.20 A. Mutia, M. Ngene, T. Ngotho; 8.30 G. Mburu, P. Macharia, K. Waweru; 8.40 T. Mohamed, J. Rono, C. Owour; 8.50 F. Munyua, K. Lucas, I. Makokha; PM; 11.20 J. Lejirma, P. Musimba, A. Odongo; 11.30 E. Brian, A. Balala, D. Sifuna; 11.40 D. Maara, R. Leming'ani, C Rob; 11.50 N. Kimemia, E. Maina, S. Mulama; 12.00 B. Omondi, V. Chesumei, F. Njenga; 12.10 E.Omolo, L. Asego, K. Kogo; 12.20 G. Warigi, S. Orinda, F. Kipyator; 12.30 C.Too, G. Barasa, M. Nduati; 12.40 G. Rufus, C. Kanyiri, J. Michael; 12.50 P. Abira, S. Kimutai, K. Juma; 1.00 G. Oito, W. Kibet, T. Saidimu; 1.10 J. Orech, J. Mario, P. Waiharo;

Nanyuki

Saturday; Heritage Insurance golf: 7.00 Becky  N, Fr. Martin, P.J. Okoth; 7.12 S. Mutua, S. Mose, R. Gachai; 7.24 Sharon M, Purity G, W. Keen; 7.36 K. Gitonga, F. Nabuk, Dr. Samantha; 7.48 M. Keen, K. Kaara, C. Kaara; 8.00 M. Githinji, H. Kurutu HSC, J. Warui; 8.12 S. Mutethia, K. Thairu, M. Ngugi; 8.24 F. Ochieng, T. Mwangi, L. Magambo; 8.36 D. Weru, K. Gurung, B. Mathu; 8.48 M. Muthoki, S. Muchiri, M. Thumbi; 9.00 P. Karani, J. Muriungi, R. Maulid; 9.12 Githui J S, C. Bundi, A. Rukwaro; 9.24 R. Kabugi, Kavithe  K., Jennifer. K; 9.36 S. Gichuru, A. Thuku, M. Mwariri; 9.48 Muthoni M, J. Muthoki, Eng. Kinoti; 10.00 Dr. Muthiora, T. Wambeti, W. Njoroge: Afternoon draw; 1.30 N. Gitonga, J. Migwi, J. Ngatia; 11.42 C. Rob, S. Mwangi, G. Miungi; 11.54 I. Kimani, J. Ngugi, K. Ong’alo; 12.06 Gen. Waweru, F. Mathenge, Cpt. Kehara;12.18 M. Mwiti, Lydia M, I. Maina;12.30 Eng. Philip, J. Gatiko, J. Mathai; 12.42 Eng. Mwirichia, PE, U. Semhi; 12.54 Eng. Fabian, G. Gurung, K. Hunjan; 13.06 PE, PE, PE, PE Post Entries accepted;

Limuru

Saturday; NCBA Golf Series; First Tee; 6.54 J Kahuko, J Odhiambo , R Otieno, S Kamau; 7.02 J Karume, N Mungai, R Barua, G Muhuhu; 7.10 G Barua, P Nyamu, W Thuku, DR Kinuthia ; 7.18 N Njenga, J.N Njenga, J Maina, G Kamau; 7.26 J Wainaina, P Kapapula, S Dhungana, W Njenga; 7.34 N Munyua, J Ngambi, J Macharia, J Kingei; 7:42 DK Wahome, VK Abiraman, A Manji, M Ibrahim; 7.50 K Githunguri, J Kabiru, B Kabiru, J Kihanya; 7.58 P Kimacia, S Maina, W Kimani, D Maina; 8.06 E Gerald, K Kamau, K Kantai, S Mutai; 8.14 J Kihiu, W Gathu, N Gathuru, W Mwaura; 8.22 A Wangari, R Mureithi, S Njoroge, L Njoroge; 8.30 N Wanyee, W Okello, M Miako, D Chaggar; 8.38 S Ramesh, J Wheeler, B Onyancha, R Munuhe; 11.34 I Kiruti, L Gitonga, D Owino, A Gatimu; 11.42 Captain *4 ; 11.50 R Onyango, C Kinuthia, M kiruti, D ndungu; 11.58 M Muchiri, S Irimu, S Ngaruiya, S Irimu; 12.06 W Migwi, A Munyendo, E Hunja, R Gatu; 12.14 W Gitonga, I Njogu, J Keru, T Mwithiga; 12.22 H Gatu, B Okemwa, P karingithi, RM Kinyua; 12.30 Cn Wangari(Dr), A Koech, W Maina, N Kihara(Jnr); 12.38 Chairman*4; 12.46 C Omondi, A Asol, B Emase, G Mutula; 12.54 K Muchiri, R Kibugi, J Gathu, J Nderitu, 1.02 C Muchiru, T Simba, F Kaggwa, A Njoroge; 1.10 B Wairegi, A Thiongo, N Kaberere, C Waigonjo ; 1.18 J Kagiri, M kioni, J Karicu, M Mbugua; 1.26 S Dinkins, N Dinkins(Jnr), B Dinkins(Jnr), B Dinkins(Jnr), SG Ngaruiya; Morning Draw 10th tee 6.54 T karani, C Injera, A Oluoch, H Kayange; 7.02 Mark Misumi, M Wachira, S Gathigia; 7.10 R Sobayeni, P Mwangi, P Waithaka, J Michoma; 7.18 K Minju, E Nyaga, S Bolo, J Amani; 7.26 J kamweru, CN Kihara, C Kihara, G Maina; 7.34 S Ndarwa, John kariuki, J Ikanyi, J Kinuthia ; 7.42 J Kihanya, E Gathoni, E Kamau, PE; 7.50 E Nabutola, J Ochieng, R Njuguna, R Michoma; 7.58 F Njuguna, K Nzioki, V Wangombe, JM Mwaura; 8.06 T Kuria, A Ndichu, J Mwangangi, J Matheng; 8.14 W N Lyomu(Jnr), S Lyomu(Jnr), G Kihiu, N Mathu; 8.22 A Wanjama, E Wambari, D Mwangi, S wanguru; 8.30 G Kimeria, J Kimeria, K Mukuria, T Njehia; 8.38 G Singh, J Mohammed, H Mediratta, D Chaggar; 11.34 M Gathuri, H Ileli, R D’souza, M Gatu(Jnr) ; 11.42 A Nyambura, E Hakeeta, L Hurst, J kamau(Jnr); 11.50 A Asol, D Chege, W Muguima, B Njoroge; 11.58 T Kiburi, J Gachanja, O Lyomu, J Kimani; 12.06 J Ngugi, J Ndiho, M karanu, K Ndiho; 12.14 R Gachaga, J Tharao, J Njogu, S Waithima; 12.22 J Gathuna, J Mbui, K Kituku, M Gatu; 12.30 N Kiunjuri, A kinyanjui, K Kuria,K Kimani; 12.38 F Mugambi(Dr), L Shani, P Ngusale, P Kipkemoi; 12.46 K Macharia, E Kigochi, K Maina, A Kiome; 12.54 N Mwangi, KM Gakuru, E Njenga, D Waiganjo; 1.02 T Mutero, M Mbai, D Lubanga, CN Ribui; 1.10 PG Mwangi, K Gachuru, A Wanjiru, R karanja; 1.18 K Njoroge, S Okello, F Kimani, P Kahura; 1.26 V Waiyaki, PM Waiyaki, G wangongu, C Kariuki;

Karen

Friday; AAK Architects Chapter: First Tee: 7.50 A. Ofafa, H. Wanyama, Kimeu, E. Njunu; 8.00 G. Opiyo, S. Onyango, J. Otieno, M. Okong’o; 8.10 M. Milosevic, O. Plakalovic, M. Odero, N. Gosav; 8.20 D. Wambua, J. Chacha, B. Maroa, L. Njeri; 8.30 C. Nthiwa, P. Mwangi, J. Korosso, E. Nyabiba; 8.40 R. Otieno, A. Ladak, A. Kipkemboi, F. Okuche; 8.50 G. Ngaruiya, C. Waiganjo, A. Chege, P. Miriti; 9.00 M. Warithi, M. Koech, C. Kahura, P. Kamau; 9.10 B. Handa, K. Monari, C. Handa, P. Gupta; 9.20 P. Ngugi , J. Kahi, S. Gitau, C. Nganga; 9.30 F. Makoni, S. Ndemi, T. Mwiu, V. Rusagara; 12.00 K. Mathu, C.J Mwaura, E. Wangui, G. Wanjohi; 12.10 R. Van Hoek, M. Carollei, N. Van Hoek, B. Mwangi; 12.20 B. Thairu, K. Maurice, J. Mworia, P. Mutooni; 12.30 V. Landa, E. Kiruja, F. Wahome, F. Mwaniki; 12.40 P. Shah, N. Shah, B. Shah, R. Gondalia; 12.50 J. Gitoho, J. Kahiu, C. Ndungu, A. Gitonga; 1.00 C. Halley, B. Mandere, L. Mureithi, N. Mwangi; 1.10 P. Muthee, P. Ngugi, D. Gaitho, J. Nduku; 1.20 J. Dickson, M. Astbury, H. Eddy, I. Akinyi; 1.30 S. Siyani, G. Patel, V. Shantilal, D. Varsani; 1.40 J.Kiveu, T. Chirchir,  M. Curtis, B. Kiraithe; 1.50 W. Otieno, T. Koigi, C. Kamandu, S. Chasia; 2.00 V. Panesar, A. Jai, P. Sehni, Ano; Tenth Tee: 7.50 APSEAX4; 8.00 K. Chebii, R. Mbithi, J. Nderitu, M. Kiruthu; 8.10 F. Latti, O. Ombuto, S. Mbicha, K. Gachanja; 8.20 J. Kairu, J. Karanu, N. Gitau, K. Nyabwengi; 8.30 A. Omollo, A. Okello, L. Njoroge, E. Ombega; 8.40 Tarakibu Architectsx4; 8.50 J. Ocholla, W. Ingari, D. Mangwa, O. Olubowale; 9.00 G. Kimani, G. Ouma, G. Singh, A. Kimani; 9.10 O. Onyango, T. Kahigu, O. Chacha, E. Arigo; 9.20 S. Lutta, B. Mburu, R. Kioko, J. Kedogo; 9:30 IQSKx4; 12:00 O. Mruttu, C. Omanga, A. Ilagoswa, E. Seghete 12.10 J. Otuke, J. Simba, P. Mugambi, H. Odera; 12.20 D. Situma, E. Kinisu, B. Van Hoek, I. Wambugu; 12.30 W. Mugambi, N. Muiruri, P. Nga’ng’a, G. Karuku; 12:40 J. Gikuhi, J. Gachanja, N. Mukora, T. Kiburi; 12.50 N. Macharia, D. Patel, M. Patel, R. Patel; 1.00 P. Macharia, G. Migwi, P. Mugo, P. Kings; 1.10 M. Bector, J. Osoro, S. Shah, M. Haria; 1.20 J. Gitonga, K. Raghwani, V. Kerai, R. Nagi; 1.30 P. Varsani, S. Siyani, D. Siyani, P. Hirani; 1.40 N. Hirani, H. Rhesi, J. Tethy, A. Shankla; 1.50 I. Ogai, O. Ogunde, E. Mugo, Olav Stryn Jorgensen; 2.00 M. Ngunze, J. Katiku, A. Waititu, L. Warobi.

Kericho

Saturday; KenGen Golf Tournament; 7:00 D Kigen, B Sambu, S Moraa, E K Koech; 7:10 O Maritim, S Kimutai, M Lilan, K Langat; 7:20 A Monari, J Mitei, S Amusala, S Ongalo; 7:30 C Kibet, H Ikhokoro, P Langat, V Amusala; 7:40 B Ngeny, B Ogwayo, E Soy, J Kinyanjui; 7:50 E Akinyi, P Sang, J Ogweche; 8:00 S Kirui, B Langat, L Koech, J Simba;8:10 K Nyagaga, V D'souza, J Otieno, Ben Kalya; 8:20 C Ayienda, J Odongo, D Edwards, E Yego;8:30 L Akello, R Korir, C Nyangena, W Siele; 8:40 Caroline Siele, J Cherotich, W Ayienda, T Odongo 8:40 C Siele, Ben Kalya, V Langat, L Kipkoech; 9:00 B Chepkwony, C Keter, D Rono, N Korir; 9:10 L Kipngok, H Koech, B Koyier, R Angote; 9:20 E Koech, N Odhiambo, L Jebichii, J Koech; 9:30 K Biegon, E Keter, D Sate, Amb Matete; 9:40 D Kipruto, F Kirui, N Yegon, A Nyanusi; 9:50 J Chege, B Odhiambo, D Githinji, B Aidah;10:00 C Sirali, E Munyiri, M Oduor, ANO; 10:10 V Maiyo, L Soo, K Cheruiyot, M Muge; BREAK 11:50 I Basweti, T Bachu, E Mutai, J Rono; 12:00 D Biegon, P Hunjan, R Keter, E Kirui; 12:10 E Korir, J Kiplimo, S Waheho, K Sigilai; 12:20 R Omondi, D Mwaura, E Salat, E Cheruiyot; 12:30 E Buyeke, L Tesot, S Mella, G Kirui; 12:40 Bill Kalya, R Kibet, I Kiptoo, J Mogeni; 12:50 D Tanui, N Gathuru, J Chege, K Korir; 01:10 C Kebenei, C Konzolo, N Tonui, K Kaunda; 1:20 J Kaibei, F Koko, B Madete, J Atito; 1:30 C Langat, R Kiptalam, M Maiyo, K Kibet; 1:40 L Kipchirchir, T Messo, M Momanyi, S Kirwa; 1:50 M Bachu, F Wasike, D Hunjan, B Kangangi; POST ENTRIES ACCEPTED.

Ruiru

Saturday: Isuzu Golf Tournament; First Tee; 6:30 Fr. Mwaura, S K Nyingi, J Kaunda, R Mukami ; 6:40 C Muchoki, S Mwitari, F Goco, B Macharia; 6:50 F Korir, T Kiiru, W Kimondo, P Nuthu ; 7:00 V Gaitho, Sponsor x3 ; 7:10 F Kimanzi, A Wangari, I Githinji, C Kiiyukia ; 7:20 F Kinyanjui, E Njau, D Kibui, A Muthigani ; 7:30  E Kabaki, S Kingori, L Mwangi, J Njeru ; 7:40 Sponsor x 4 ; 7:50 A Kariuki, G Gacheru, D Ngugi, D Gateru ; 8:00 Sponsor x 4 ; 8:10 Sponsor x 4; 8:20 J Njogu, K Waituika, E Ndegwa, M Kibera ; 8:30 L Wachira, P Kamau, M Mukururi, S Mukururi ;  8;40 K Muraguri  X 4 ; 10:40 Captain x 4; 10:50 Captain x 4 ; 11:00 G Waweru, G Keru, P Muiruri, P Mukuria ; 11:10 I Nguku, K Munyua, K Mwangi, H Mwaura ; 11:20 Sponsor x 4 ; 11:30 J Nyambura, B Waweru, W Kamau, M Wangeci ; 11:40 Sponsor x 4 ; 11:50 J Kilonzo , L Nganga, J Kihungu, Sponsor ; 12:00 P Kigwe, C Wambui, Sponsor x 2 ; 12:10 Sponsor x 4 ; 12:20 Sponsor x 4 ; 12:30 J Mathenge, Z Muigai, L Ian, T Mwaura ; 12:40 W Kagicha, Sponsor x 4 ;  12:50 B Ngugi, S Njuguna, A Mwangi ; 13:00 M Wahome, J Waruingi, S Wanja, D Mukei ; 13:10 A Machocho, A K Ndungu, K Wangondu, D Waruinge ; 13:20 P Karingithi, R Njui, K Muchiri, G Miano ; 13:30 R Mwaura, L Kwendo, R Kagio, N Wangendo ; 13:40 B Mumo, B Ndungu, M Nzomo,J Mugo; Tenth Tee : 6:30 C Muchoki, S Mbochi, G Wachira, S Kingara; 6:40 P Ngugi, P Kamau, Rev Karanja, P M Mwangi ; 6 :50 R Karanja, A Ngaruiya, E Waithaka, M Kimotho ; 7:00 G Ndungu, C Njoroge, N Gitonga, A Mwaura ; 7:10 B Okumu, D Mbugua, C Kariuki, J P Muraguri ;  7:20 Sponsor X 4 ; 7:30 Brig Mohamed, E Karanja, R Kithuka, C Wakaro ; 7:40 W Gathecha, C Karanja, D Geita, M Murigi ; 7:50 P Kiarie, J Wanjohi, E Kiragu, F Kinge ; 8:00 P Kimanga, G Njuguna, R Kamau, J Mwangi ; 8:10 K Berenju, A Ngugi, B Mwangi, P Theche ; 8:20 J Mureithi, L Mwaura, J Muendo, E Kariuki ; 8:30 M Muthoni, K Kaburu, J Makau, Sponsor  ; 8:40 L Maina, J Gitau, R Kitavi, J Njenga ; 10:40 Captain x 4 ; 10:50 Sponsor x 4 ;  11:00 G Njuguna, G Keru, A Kariuki ; 11:10 M Mbuthia, T Kiragu, A Mburi, S Kanyora ;11:20  K Muthondu, E Ngugi, N Nguithi, A Kariuki ; 11:30 J Ngugi, N Mwaura, I Wamoro, Sponsor  ; 11:40 D Mwangi, D Warui, W Maina, R Njuguna ; 11:50 Sponsor x 4 ; 12:00 C Ndegwa, Sponsor x 4;  12:10 J Kimanzi, S Muiruri, P Kiogora, P Njeru ; 12:20 S Mwaura, J Chege, C Gitonga, S Mwaura ; 12:30 D Muiruri, J Wangari, Dr Gachuno, A Kimani ; 12:40 W Kagicha, Sponsor x 4 ; 12:50 P Kaigua, Fr. P Kimani, Fr. P Kiarie, Fr Wanyoike :13:00 W Njenga, J Kamiri, A Ngumba, E Mbugua;  13:10 B Kimani, D Kamau, A Kioi, F Mwaura  ; 13:20 S Thuku, S Karanja, S Wainaina, Dr Murumba ; 13:30 W Kihato, W Ngechu, E Thal, P N Waibochi ; 13:40 J Theuri, R Gathii, T Kamunya, P Oketch. No Post Entries

Railway 

Friday; Chairman's Prize -Engineer Timothy Ruhiu; 6:30 I Lande, S Ngure, Jkomu, P Kimatu; 6:40 B Githaiga, S Mbugua, K Padam, T Mitansh; 6:50 F Kipyator, J Ndung'u, Ano, Ano; 7:00 D Kingi, F K Muhia, S Melly, M Miingi; 7:10 J Muraguri, Ano, Ano, Ano; 7:20 J W Kung'u, F Kamau, W Onyino, L Gathungu; 7:30 Sponsor x4; 7:40 S Muraguri A  Theuri, Ano, Ano; 7.50 Sponsor x4; 8:00 J Kagicha, R Mwende, E Njoki, D Njonjo; 8:10 J Mutuota, E Kerich, N Njuguna, F M Karanja; 8:20 N Mwaura, E Ndungu, E.G Wachira, Ano; 8:30 S Meel, J Ndirangu, L  Mbuthia, F Kimanzi; 8:40 T K Mbogua, A Mwangi, P Kabiaru, W Baraza; 11:00 C Otachi, S Muraya, N Doris, A Kihara; 11:10 W Karume, B Nyagechi, S Gacheri, M Wainaina; 11:20 Jngure, C Muruga, A Maingi, J Makau; 11:30 J Kitulu, N Njuguna, J Maingi, J Ndunda; 11:40 N Winja, N Kariuki, C Murimi, P Wanjiru; 11:50 M Gacheri, C Oloo, S Karanja, G N Kimani; 12:00  W Moturi, G Kirathe, J N Mageto, C Wanjiku; 12:10 J Marucha, R Omwansa, T Osoro, P Kinuthia; 12:20 F K Chege, C Maina, J Gachanja, J Kiveu; 12:30 I Kimeu,  O Gachuno, M Nderi, P Wahome; 12:40 R N Njoroge, S K Mwaura, K Mburu, M Wahome; 12:50 E Manywanda, R Njau, K Munyiri, A Mwaura; 1:00 T Ruhiu, Ano,Ano,Ano; 1.10 Sponsor x4; 13:20 R N Maina, Ano, Ano, Ano; 1:30 Wasala W, M Kiplagat, S Ikingi, N Meely; 1:40 F Ombura, S H O Onyango, S Patel, B Kanyi.