Kiambu golfer Michael Karanga recorded his maiden victory by defending the Coronation Trophy, the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) title at the par 73 Nakuru golf club.
The reigning KAGC champion fired eight under par 211 to edge his main rival, Muthaiga’s Daniel Kiragu, with even shots at three over par 222.
Host player John Kamais completed the podium with +7 226 alongside Nandi Bear’s player Elly Barno and Kenya Railways John Lejirma, Team Kenya captain.
Karanga had missed the podium since the series teed off in Sigona at the Sigona Bowl.
“Winning by a big margin shows I have improved my swing,” said Karanga.
He led in all three days and fired an impressive six under par 67 on Sunday.
In the opening nine, he rolled in four birdies in holes two, three, six and eight with pars on the remaining holes for four under 32.
In the second nine, he sunk two under par 35 with an eagle in the 16th, birdies in the 12th and 18th and a drop in the 15th with pars in the rest of the holes.
Selected results
1. Michael Karanga (Kiambu) 71, 73, 67= 211 (-8)
2. Daniel Kiragu (Muthaiga) 77, 70, 75= 222 (+3)
T3. John Kamais (Nakuru) 76, 77, 73= 226 (+7)
T3. Elly Barno (Nandi Bears) 76, 75, 75= 226 (+7)
T3. John Lejirma (Kenya Railways) 74, 76, 76= 226 (+7)
T6. Amos Odongo (Golf Park) 81, 76, 74 =231 (12)
T6. Elvis Muigua (Kiambu) 74, 77, 80= 231 (+12)
8. Naomi Wafula (Vipingo Ridge) 75, 81, 76= 232 (+13)
9. Ibrahim Bagalana (UGA) 75, 75, 79= 233
