NCBA Ruiru Open 2026 champion Eugene Wafula poses with his trophies/HANDOUT
Muthaiga Golf Club’s rising star Eugene Wafula showcased nerves of steel to
capture his maiden Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) title, enduring a
tense final round to win the fourth edition of the NCBA Ruiru Open at the Ruiru
Sports Club.
Wafula carded a tournament total of two-under-par 217 to
triumph in the grueling three-day World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event,
successfully holding off a star-studded regional field.
The victory marks a defining moment in Wafula's career
and comes at a critical juncture in the KAGC season, where local amateurs are
fiercely hunting for ranking points to secure spots in major regional and
international assignments later this year.
Wafula signaled his intentions from Friday's opening round, firing an
aggressive three-under-par 70 that featured seven brilliant birdies to take
early command of the leaderboard. He maintained his composure on Saturday,
digging deep to card a level-par 73 and keep his rivals at arm's length heading
into the dramatic Sunday finale.
With the pressure mounting during Sunday's decisive
round, Wafula played conservative, tactical golf. Despite dropping shots to
finish with a one-over-par 74, his opening cushions were enough to secure the
prestigious title by a single stroke.
"It feels great to finally get my first win on
the KAGC circuit," an elated Wafula said after the prize presentation.
"I've been working incredibly hard on my game and constantly putting
myself in contention, so coming through to get the victory means everything to
me."
He added: "The competition was stiff throughout
the week. I had to stay patient and entirely focused, especially in the closing
holes of the final round. This gives me a massive confidence boost heading into
the rest of the season."
The victory was far from a walk in the park. Former Nakuru Golf Club captain
John Kamaisi mounted a furious Sunday charge, firing a sensational
four-under-par 69 to finish second on an overall score of one-over-par 218.
Kamaisi shared the podium with Tanzania’s top-ranked
Madina Hussein and Golf Park’s Josphat Rono, who both tied for third overall on
218. Rwanda's Felix Dusabe completed the top five with a commendable 219, while
Kiambu Golf Club’s Steve Kiaro finished a shot further back in sixth position
on 220.
Concurrently, the hunt for a ticket to the 2026 NCBA Golf Series Grand
Finale gathered steam at the Kakamega Sports Club, which hosted the 15th
qualifier of the popular series.
Golfers from across the region battled through the lush
green fairways aiming for the elite list that will book slots for the
season-ending showdown scheduled for November 28 at the iconic Karen Country
Club.
In the premier categories, Elvis Mbagaya emerged as the
Division One Men’s winner after returning an impressive 67 points. Not to be
outdone, Dr. Beatrice Shikuku put on a stellar masterclass to claim the
Division One Ladies’ crown with a haul of 74 points.
The tournament showcased exceptional depth across all divisions,
particularly in the junior ranks where Wayne Getanda and Gianna Oketch proved
that the future of Kenyan golf is in safe hands.
The day's ultimate scoring masterclass, however, came
from the Guest category, where Bob Odhiambo carded a breathtaking 85 points to
claim the guest honors.
The lucky seven who will represent the region at Karen
Country Club later this year include Elvis Mbagaya, Dr. Beatrice Shikuku, Kunal
Chandaria, Carolyne Wambugu, Dennis Munyendo, Immaculate Oketch, and the junior
sensation, Gianna Oketch.
