Over 120 golfers from eight countries to grace the NCBA Junior Invitational tourney

Kenyan junior golfer Malaika Kasio tees off at Windsor during the NCBA Kenya Invitational Junior tournament/HANDOUT

More than 120 elite junior golfers from eight countries gather at Windsor Golf and Country Club from Saturday through Monday for the annual NCBA Kenya Junior Invitational.

The event, which is hosted by the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF),  is the largest and most prestigious event on the U.S. Kids Golf calendar in Kenya.

The 2025 edition will feature juniors from eight countries, including hosts Kenya, Uganda, Lithuania, India, Thailand, Norway, Nigeria, and China, reinforcing the event’s growing global profile.

Now a cornerstone event on the regional junior golf calendar, the NCBA Junior Invitational has grown steadily over the years, earning a reputation for world-class organisation, strong competition, and international participation.

The Invitational carries additional significance, with the boys 13–14, boys 15–18, and girls 15–18 categories eligible for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.

The event gives young golfers a rare and valuable opportunity to earn international ranking points on home soil, further strengthening Kenya’s position as a hub for competitive junior golf in Africa.

Previous editions of the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Invitational have produced standout performances from juniors who have gone on to compete and win in regional and international amateur events.

The tournament has become a critical stepping stone for juniors transitioning from national competition to global stages, aligning with JGF’s long-term player development pathway.

Speaking ahead of the event, James Odingo, Tournament Director and Vice President of the Junior Golf Foundation, emphasised the Invitational’s importance to junior golf development in Kenya and beyond.

“The NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Invitational is the pinnacle of our junior golf calendar. It brings together the best junior golfers from different parts of the world, creating a competitive environment that challenges our players and prepares them for international golf. With WAGR points on offer and participation from eight countries, this event continues to raise the standard of junior golf in Kenya,” he said.

“Over the years, we have seen juniors who competed in this Invitational go on to excel in elite amateur tournaments and earn global recognition. This event is a clear demonstration of what is possible when strong partnerships, quality competition, and structured development come together,” he added.

The tournament is sponsored by NCBA Bank, the title sponsor of the U.S. Kids Golf Series. NCBA’s support of junior golf has played a pivotal role in expanding access to competitive opportunities, nurturing talent, and positioning Kenya as a leading destination for junior golf in the region.

NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said, “The NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Kenya Invitational reflects our long-term commitment to developing junior golf in Kenya and across the region. Through our partnership with the Junior Golf Foundation and U.S. Kids Golf, we are creating structured pathways that give young players exposure, competitive experience, and opportunities to grow both locally and internationally.”

He added:  “We are proud to see this tournament continue to raise standards and position Kenya as a destination for world-class junior golf. We are delighted to welcome all the junior golfers to this tournament as we close the year.”