Kellie Gachaga made a resounding return to form with a wire-to-wire victory at the 2025 Ladies Amateur Strokeplay Championship, held at Sigona Golf Club.
The Muthaiga Golf Club star posted rounds of 72, 76, and 69 for a total score of 217, finishing one-over-par to clinch the national title and reaffirm her place among the top women amateur golfers in the region.
Gachaga displayed nerves of steel and remarkable course management across the three rounds.
She opened with a steady even-par 72 on Day 1, navigating the tricky greens and fairways of Sigona with precision.
Despite a challenging second round where she carded 76, Gachaga bounced back decisively with a near-flawless 69 in the final round — the lowest of the tournament — to secure a comfortable seven-shot victory.
“My game was steady, I’m happy with every part of it. Driver was firing, irons were accurate and my short game saved me a lot,” said an elated Gachaga in a post-round interview with Golf Score Kenya.
“I am especially happy with my mental game, I stuck to my process and committed to every shot, which really helped when I got a bit nervous towards the end of the final round.”
The win marks a strong return to form for Gachaga, who has consistently been among Kenya’s top-ranked amateur golfers.
“I will be playing at Kiambu Open in my next event. I hope to keep up this pace and play under next weekend,” said Gachaga.
Naomi Wafula of Vipingo Ridge Golf Resort finished second, signing for a three-round total of 224 (+8).
Wafula showed consistent form through the event, with rounds of 73, 76, and 75.
Her strong approach play kept her in contention, but she couldn’t match Gachaga’s final-day brilliance.
Tanzania’s Madina Hussein, representing Arusha Gymkhana Club, secured third place with a total of 229 (+13), following rounds of 77, 76, and 76.
Hussein impressed with her fighting spirit and accuracy off the tee, holding off a close challenge from Kenya’s Mercy Nyanchama, who finished one shot back at 230 (+14).
Nyanchama, from Njoro Country Club, carded rounds of 78, 77, and 75, showing marked improvement with each day.
Her final round charge was highlighted by a birdie on the 13th and a steady back nine.
Rounding out the top five was sensation junior golfer Kanana Muthomi of Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club, who posted a total of 231 (+15).
Muthomi had a tough final day with an 82 but remained in the top bracket thanks to her solid first two rounds of 75 and 74.