Kevin Juma produced a solid round of 76 gross to clinch the Overall Title at the fifth edition of the NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale held on November 28 at Muthaiga Golf Club.
The handicap 4 player from Royal Nairobi Golf Club topped a strong field of 90 qualifiers drawn from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
The finale brought together some of the region’s leading amateur golfers, each vying for one of East Africa’s most prestigious amateur crowns.
Speaking after his win, Juma said the victory was special given the quality of competition.
“The NCBA Golf Series attracts top players from across the region, so winning here means a lot. Muthaiga was demanding as always, and I had to stay patient and focused, especially on the back nine. I’m grateful to NCBA for creating a platform that pushes us to get better,” he said.
Juma, who earlier this year won the Overall Men’s title during his home club’s leg of the series, walked away with KSh130,000, a Kenya Airways ticket to London, a Sandstorm leather bag and a bottle of Johnnie Walker.
VetLab’s John Odhiambo, playing off handicap 3, also posted 76 gross but lost to Juma on countback.
He took home KSh 130,000, an air ticket to Mauritius courtesy of Kenya Airways, a Sandstorm signature bag and a Johnnie Walker bottle.
VetLab registered another victory through Mary Karano, who emerged the Overall Lady Winner after carding 79 gross.
She earned KSh 130,000, an air ticket to South Africa, a Sandstorm bag and a bottle of Johnnie Walker.
In the juniors’ category, Marcel Adeyemo (handicap 28) topped the leaderboard with 41 points, underlining the continued rise of young golfing talent in the region.
Among the subsidiary winners were Amon Ngecu (38 points), who claimed the Staff prize, and Patrick Cheruiyot (44 points), who secured the Guest prize.
During the awards gala, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora reflected on the series’ five-year journey.
“When we launched the NCBA Golf Series in 2021, our goal was to grow the sport, nurture talent, and bring communities together. Five years later, I’m proud of what we’ve collectively achieved.”
He noted that NCBA has invested over KSh 200 million in golf over the period, engaging more than 10,000 golfers, activating over 400 tournaments, and partnering with nearly all clubs across the region.
The 2025 season featured 38 events across East Africa, including qualifiers, club nights and mugs.
Gachora also announced that rising star Njoroge Kibugu has joined the NCBA professional squad, which also includes Edwin Mudanyi, Eric Obura and Abraham Galgalo on the PGK Equator Tour.
This year’s Grand Finale featured 250 players, combining the 90 qualifiers and invited guests.
The tournament was supported by EABL (Johnnie Walker), Sandstorm Kenya, VISA, JCB Ganatra and Kenya Airways.