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’King of the Course’ series heads to Nanyuki

John Agui lifts the title after winning the fifth leg of the Icea Lion King of the course golf series at Nandi Bears on May 25, 2024. 

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group

By  Larry Ngala

Correspondent

NMG Sport

What you need to know:

  • Pastor Julius Kioko, Bernard Mutua, and Phelistas Mativo have already secured their places after triumphing in the earlier rounds. They will be joined by this weekend’s winners, the fifth leg qualifiers from Nandi Bears in May, and last year’s Nyali winner, Swaleh Omar.

The quest for a new champion in the ICEA LION ’King of the Course’ golf series shifts to the mountain region this weekend for the fourth leg of the 2025 circuit.

This follows the resounding success of the first three legs held at Machakos, Thika Greens, and Ruiru.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Mt Kenya, the nine-hole Nanyuki Sports Club will host over 140 golfers from across the region and beyond, all vying for a coveted spot in the grand finale at Nyali Golf and Country Club in October.

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Pastor Julius Kioko, Bernard Mutua, and Phelistas Mativo have already secured their places after triumphing in the earlier rounds.

They will be joined by this weekend’s winners, the fifth leg qualifiers from Nandi Bears in May, and last year’s Nyali winner, Swaleh Omar.

Philip Lopokoiyit, Group CEO of ICEA LION, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming tournament and the company’s engagement with customers and stakeholders.

“We have progressed well, consistently breaking our records in each tournament. We look forward to an even grander affair at Nanyuki this weekend, which will be preceded by a special curtain-raiser club night at Nyeri Golf Club.

We continue to celebrate excellence and provide a platform for meaningful engagement with our clients and stakeholders across Kenya, specifically in the Mount Kenya region,” said Lopokoiyit.

Among the notable single-figure handicap golfers drawn for the tournament are Major General (Rtd) Peter Waweru, Charles Rob, Gabriel Miungi, Cyprian Bundi, and Richard Kabugi. Additionally, Machakos has entered a strong contingent hoping to book their tickets to Nyali.

Meanwhile, after a disappointing performance in the Magical Kenya Open, Kiambu’s Michael Karanga returns to local action this weekend at Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club.

He will be defending his title at the Windsor Classic against a formidable field of 146 players, including competitors from Uganda and Rwanda.

Karanga struggled in the Kenya Open, posting an 11-over-par score in the first two rounds and failing to make the cut.

Now, he must fight to regain form and boost his chances of qualifying for next year’s Magical Kenya Open.

The Windsor Classic, the fourth leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series, offers a Sh500,000 purse for the top 33 players who make the second-round cut on Saturday.

The tournament also features six talented female golfers, including Naomi Wafula, Kellie Gachaga, Margaret Njoki, Bianca Ngecu, and Diana Mbuba.

The ultimate winner will walk away with Sh115,000.

While action unfolds at Nanyuki, Ruiru golfers will stay busy at home, where Club Captain J.K. Muraguri is hosting his highly anticipated Captain’s Prize tournament.

The event has attracted a massive field of 280 players and has received sponsorship from Chloride Exide, Ruby Granite, and Old Mutual.