Road to Somabay Golf Series winner Chris Huka /HANDOUT
Chris Huka has already shifted his focus to the international stage after winning the ninth leg of the Road to Somabay Golf Series at Karen Country Club.
Huka carded 40 Stableford points to claim the overall title in the Michezonet-presented tournament, held in partnership with Commercial International Bank (CIB), and secured a place at the Somabay World Grand Finale in Egypt.
Victory on Karen's demanding championship course marks the start of a bigger challenge for Huka, who is now preparing to test himself against a global field on the Red Sea coast.
Huka produced a composed display, overcoming a few costly mistakes with two birdies and four pars to finish as the only golfer in the field to reach the 40-point mark.
His resilience and course management proved decisive and will give him confidence ahead of the finale in Egypt, where he will lead Kenya's challenge.
The Karen leg was among the most competitive in the series. Nkatha Nkiiri finished overall runner-up with 38 points after a steady round that kept her in contention throughout.
Division A produced a three-way tie on 37 points between David Murima, Hardeep Rehsi and Zacharia Koech.
Murima claimed the division title on countback after an outstanding back nine helped him to a gross score of 76, featuring three birdies and nine pars.
Rehsi finished second to secure qualification, while sponsor guest Rose Mwarania impressed with 38 points to win Division B and earn a special invitation to the grand finale as the tournament's Best Performing Guest.
CIB Bank chief executive Titus Mwithiga praised the quality of competition and reaffirmed the bank's commitment to growing the game by creating international opportunities for Kenyan amateurs.
He said the partnership with the Road to Somabay Golf Series is helping develop local talent by giving players a platform to compete on the global stage.
"Our partnership with the Road to Somabay Series reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of golf while providing talented Kenyan amateur golfers with a unique opportunity to compete on the international stage," said Mwithiga.
He congratulated the qualifiers, saying the standard of golf displayed at Karen Country Club reflected the growing strength and potential of Kenyan amateur golf.
With his place secured, Huka will now turn his attention to Egypt, aiming to build on his domestic success against some of the world's top amateur golfers.
