By GPC Sports Reporter
Defending champion Elvis Muigua will lead a strong field at the NCBA Malindi Open ‘Vasco Da Gama Cup’ as the three-day tournament tees off on Friday at Malindi Golf Club.
Muigua, who plays at Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, heads to Malindi in confident form after winning the 2026 NCBA Railway Invitation last weekend.
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He carded a three-round total of 217, one-over par, to secure his second Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) title of the season, following his victory at the fourth edition of the NCBA Ronald Marshall and Toby Gibson Tournament at Njoro Golf Club in Nakuru County in May.
The September 11-13 tournament will feature golfers competing for KAGC ranking points and a share of the KSh550,000 prize purse.
Muigua will face several familiar opponents, including last year’s runner-up Ebill Omollo, whom he defeated in a dramatic three-hole playoff last year.
Muigua, Omollo and Michael Karanga had all finished the regulation rounds on nine-over-par 219 before Muigua prevailed in the playoff to claim the title.
Other leading entrants include John Kamaisi of Nakuru Golf Club, Joseph Olwali of Karen Country Club, Josphat Rono of Golf Park Golf Club, Alex Mwangi of Windsor, Wesley Kibet of Royal Nairobi Golf Club, and Nyali Golf & Country Club players Dickson Wekesa, Odek William and Gathogo Kaguta.
The women’s field will be led by Naomi Kikulu of Nyali Golf & Country Club, alongside clubmate Janet Ouma, Christine Kinyeru of Mombasa Golf Club and home player Kate Mwikali.
Kenya Golf Union chairman Brian Akun said the tournament would provide a competitive platform for golfers while praising NCBA’s support for the sport.
“The NCBA Malindi Open is an important tournament on the KAGC calendar and provides a competitive platform for golfers to test themselves,” Akun said.
He added that the return of Muigua, whose victory last year was decided by a playoff, would add to the competitiveness of the tournament.
The opening round tees off on Friday, with the competition continuing through Sunday when the champion will be crowned.
Meanwhile, juniors will be in action on Sunday at Muthaiga Golf Club during the fourth leg of the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Fall Local Tour-Nairobi.
The tournament will feature boys and girls aged between five and 18 years competing in age-based divisions.
The event is organised in partnership with U.S. Kids Golf and the Junior Golf Foundation Kenya, with support from NCBA.
The juniors will also compete for Priority Status points, which could earn them opportunities to qualify for U.S. Kids Golf international events, including the Regional Invitational and U.S. Kids Golf Regional Championship.
NCBA Malindi Open ‘Vasco Da Gama Cup’ tee times
7:30am: F. Obonyo, K. Dennis
7:39am: C. Chai, M. Shauri, J. Olwali
7:48am: T. Ole Kina, J. Ouma, J. Kamaisi
7:57am: J. Mramba, G. Barasa, A. Mwangi
8:06am: K. Charo, E. Muigua, J. Ndichu
8:15am: I. Ndichu, E. Omollo, F. Dau
8:24am: H. Kipkorir, C. Otieno, I. Makokha
8:33am: C. Kinyeru, D. Wekesa, N. Nderitu
8:42am: K. Choyo, J. Sulubu, E. Limo
8:51am: P. Katana, A. Abdullah, A. Clinton
11:30am: D. Chai, J. Kinuthia
11:39am: D. Barasa, A. Bozzolasco, G. Karioki
11:48am: K. Anyien, K. Charo, J. Michael
11:57am: J. Koina, R. Leming’Ani, K. Mwikali
12:06pm: A. Odongo, F. Kenga, S. Etaan
12:15pm: W. Kibet, O. William, M. Chege
12:24pm: J. Rono, G. Kaguta, N. Kikulu
12:33pm: F. Bukwo, H. Langat, W. Michael
12:42pm: S. Orinda, C. Johana, C. Otieno
