The stage is set for the NCBA Kabete Open, taking place this weekend from July 18–20, 2025, at the scenic Vet Lab Sports Club, the first stop of the Kenya Swing Tournaments under the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series.
This year’s event will feature 90 elite amateur golfers, including 80 from Kenya and 10 international players representing Rwanda, Mauritius, Austria, Zambia, South Africa, and Burundi.
The cut-off for qualification was a handicap index of 5, underlining the high calibre of competition expected.
Defending champion Adel Balala, a three-time winner (2021, 2022, 2024), returns in pursuit of a record fourth title.
He will face stiff competition from current KAGC leader John Lejirma, six-time winner Michael Karanga, and home club standout Ebill Omolo.
Teenage sensation Kanana Muthomi, Bianca Ngecu, Joyce Wanjiru, Mercy Nyanchama, and Kellie Gachaga will be among the lady golfers in the competition.
International entrants include Rwanda’s Niyonkuru Alain, South Africa’s Pranay Kapur, and Zambia’s Gilbert Chalwe, further raising the competitive bar for the event.
The Kabete Open marks the first leg of the three-part Kenya Swing, which continues with the Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship at Sigona Golf Club and concludes with the Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championship back at Vet Lab.
The Kenya Swing format is designed to offer continuous high-level competition and enhance international participation, giving local players a chance to test their skills against regional and global peers.
All participants will play 36 holes, after which the top 33 and ties will qualify for the final round. The tournament offers a total prize fund of KES 500,000, with the champion earning KES 115,000.
Tournament Director Brian Akun praised the players’ commitment and the sponsors’ support:
“We are deeply grateful to the players for their continued support of the NCBA KAGC Series. Their dedication raises the bar for amateur golf in the region. Special thanks to Vet Lab Sports Club for hosting both the Kabete Open and the Strokeplay Championship, and to NCBA Bank—whose unwavering sponsorship remains the backbone of this series.”
