By KPC Sports Reporter
Rwanda’s Jean D’Amour Hitayezu produced a composed final-round performance to clinch the NCBA Coast Open ‘Barry Cup’ at Mombasa Golf Club on Sunday, finishing with a three-round total of 210 (-3) as the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit made its latest stop on the Coast.
The Kigali Golf Resort & Villas golfer held off a strong challenge from Nakuru Golf Club’s John Kamaisi to secure the title by two strokes. Hitayezu’s victory came after rounds that left him at three-under-par for the tournament, while Kamaisi settled for second place on 212 (-1) following scores of 65, 73 and 74.
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Kamaisi had looked the player to beat after a brilliant opening-round 65, but he was unable to sustain that momentum over the final two rounds, allowing Hitayezu to seize control and close out the championship.
Elvis Muigua of Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club finished third on 217 (+4), while Vet Lab Sports Club’s Wasim Ali claimed fourth place on 219 (+6). Golf Park Golf Club’s Josphat Rono rounded out the top five on 220 (+7).
The victory provides a significant boost to Hitayezu’s standing on the KAGC Order of Merit, moving him up to 11th place with 342 points. Despite missing out on the title, Kamaisi strengthened his grip on top spot in the season rankings with 809.20 points.
Muthaiga Golf Club’s Jay Sandhu remains second on 640.00 points, with Muigua third on 495.26 points. Eugine Wafula occupies fourth place with 472.26 points, while William Odek completes the top five on 409.56 points.
The KAGC season now heads into a crucial stretch with the much-anticipated Kenya Swing set to begin later this month.
The action starts with the Limuru Open and Brackenhurst Trophy at Limuru Country Club from July 17-19, followed by the Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Royal Nairobi Golf Club from July 23-26. The swing will conclude with the Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship from July 30 to August 2.
With valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking points and KAGC Order of Merit points at stake, the upcoming events are expected to play a decisive role in determining this year’s championship race.
Meanwhile, the NCBA Golf Series continued at Kitale Golf Club during the club’s Monthly Mug competition, which also served as a qualifying event for the series Grand Finale.
Playing off handicap 21, Willie Kwambai emerged as the overall winner after posting an impressive 67 nett. Wilson Wafula claimed the gross winner award with a score of 78.
Patrick Shikuku won Division One with 71 nett off handicap 11, while Nick Mwai and Margaret Wabuge claimed Division Two and Division Three honours with scores of 68 nett and 71 nett respectively.
Kwambai, Wafula, Shikuku, Mwai and Wabuge have all secured qualification for the NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale scheduled for November 28 at Karen Country Club.
The series now moves to Nyanza Golf Club, where golfers will have another opportunity to earn qualification spots during the Nyanza Golf Club Mug on July 18.
