The 2025 NCBA Kenya Invitational came to a thrilling close on Monday, December 22, at Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club.
Kenya’s top junior golfers delivered a fitting finale to the national golfing calendar with displays of composure, resilience and competitive maturity.
The final round lived up to its billing, featuring two playoffs that highlighted the depth of talent across the age categories.
In the Girls 8 and Under division, Zara Mutungi held her nerve in a tense three-hole playoff against Tanvil Shah, clinching victory on the ninth hole with a composed finish.
Drama continued in the Boys 13–14 category, where Justin Ngeera edged Dominykas Petkevicius on the 19th hole, sealing the title with a steady par after a tightly contested duel.
In the elite age groups, consistency proved decisive.
Aarush Vara carded a calm level-par final round to claim the Boys 15–18 title, while Bianca Ngecu matched that performance to secure the Girls 15–18 crown following an impressive three-day showing.
Across the younger divisions, Victor Haland topped the Boys 6 and Under category at +33, Aryan Patel claimed the Boys 7 title at +7, and Surya Bongu emerged winner in the Boys 8 division at +6.
Ivan Kimutai led the Boys 9 category at +10, Hakeem Mutungi won Boys 10 at +8, Ishaan Patel took Boys 11 at +9, and Adam Nesbitt triumphed in Boys 12, also at +9.
In the girls’ categories, Leticia Mwangale secured the Girls 9–10 title at +4, Aarna Mengi won Girls 11–12 at +15, and Sophia Nesbitt topped the Girls 13–14 division at +15.
Bianca Ngecu’s level-par total over three rounds sealed the Girls 15–18 title in commanding fashion.
Junior Golf Foundation President Vincent Mukiri praised the quality and character on display throughout the tournament.
“This year’s NCBA Kenya Invitational reflected everything we aim to build through junior golf—strong competition, resilience under pressure and respect for the game. These tournaments are critical in preparing our players for elite competition locally and internationally,” Mukiri said.
Kenya Golf Union Chairman Chris Kinuthia described the Invitational as a fitting conclusion to the season.
“As the final major event of the year, this tournament brings together the outcomes of the entire golf ecosystem—junior development, governance, coaching and competition. The quality on display shows Kenyan golf is moving in the right direction, with juniors forming a strong foundation for the future,” he noted.
Golf Kenya President Philip Ochola highlighted the broader growth of the sport during the year.
“The NCBA Kenya Invitational not only crowns our junior season but also reflects the progress we have seen across the game in 2025. From grassroots and interschools to elite junior and amateur competition, golf in Kenya continues to mature,” Ochola said.
The 2025 edition attracted junior golfers from nine countries, with World Amateur Golf Ranking points on offer in select categories, reinforcing the tournament’s status as one of the region’s premier junior events and a key bridge between junior and elite amateur golf.
