BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
Vetlab Sports Club duo of Edward Mwangi and Mary Karano is looking forward to the Grand Finale of the NCBA Golf Series set for November this year.
The pair emerged top at the hotly contested Division One category at the latest leg of the NCBA Golf Series that was held at the Vetlab Sports Club, clinching their tickets for the grand finale.
The tournament attracted 224 golfers who battled it out on the challenging par-72 course for the top honors and the chance to qualify for the main event in November.
Playing off handicap 12, Mwangi managed to take top spot after gathering 46 points ahead of his handicap-mate Sunir Parmar who posted 38 points.
Mwangi said: “I enjoyed the Vetlab course. The greens were fairly fast but once you became organized in the initial stages you were good to go. I thank NCBA for this leg and look forward to seeing everyone at Muthaiga.”
On the other hand, the experienced Karano topped the ladies’ category with 36 points – playing off a handicap of 12 as well.
Karano said: “I was the lady winner in this leg of the series last year and I am happy to clinch the leg title again and get the chance to represent my club at Muthaiga in November. I have played golf for more than 30 years and participated in a couple of NCBA golf events and the organization is topnotch.”
Meanwhile, in Division Two, Kennedy Mariga’s 41 points off a handicap of 18 saw him clinch the top honours in the men’s category with Rachel Ndei, playing off handicap 15, emerging victorious in the ladies’ category,
Benjamin Chemweno was the overall winner in Division Three with 41 points playing off handicap 31 with Parv Kavia, handicap 9, joining the list of the junior golfers set to play at the grand finale after topping the junior category on 30 points.
Handicap 10 James Mbui finished first in the guest category after picking 39 points while handicap 32 Eric Nabutola proclaimed the staff winner with 41 points after a brilliant display.
Speaking at the event, NCBA Group Ag. Corporate Banking Director Charles Omondi said, “The NCBA Golf Series remains a key initiative in this endeavor, bringing together golfers from across the country to compete, share experiences, and strengthen bonds. As you all know, we are entering the latter stages of the 2024 series and seeing such a performance as the grand finale approaches is very inspiring and promises a fantastic showdown in November. VetLab Sports Club has provided a fantastic venue, and the golfers have showcased exceptional talent. We congratulate all the winners and participants, and we look forward to the next leg of the series.”
“NCBA is committed to supporting platforms that promote sportsmanship and community engagement. We believe that events like these play a crucial role in developing and promoting golf in Kenya. We look forward to the continued success of the series and the opportunity to inspire more golfers to participate,” he added.
In line with its sustainability agenda, NCBA planted over 100 indigenous trees at the VetLab Sports Club, taking part in an initiative aimed at supporting environmental conservation and enhance the club’s green spaces.
The series continues to gain momentum, attracting a growing number of participants with each leg. Next up is the Nanyuki leg next week on Saturday, 31st August. The club attracts many golfers, so expectations are that participation and competition will be high.
