Ndumberi Golf Club’s Michael Karanga, who missed last weekend’s Ronald Marshall Cup in Njoro, is back in action this weekend as he aims to defend his Coronation Trophy title at the par-73 Nakuru Golf Club.
Currently ranked second in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series, Karanga trails series leader John Lejirmah of Royal Nairobi Golf Club.
He hopes to retain the Coronation Trophy and win additional events in the KAGC series to defend his KAGC Order of Merit title.
Karanga has so far accumulated 733 points, while Lejirmah, who successfully defended the Ronald Marshall Trophy last weekend, leads with 895 points.
In addition to home player John Kamais and Ndumberi’s Elvis Muigua, who is currently third in the standings, the spotlight at Nakuru will be firmly on Karanga and Lejirmah.
Ranked 72nd in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, Karanga says his goal is to break into the top 50 globally, while also defending his KAGC title.
Three weeks ago, he retained the Kiambu Open title, a victory that propelled him to second place in the KAGC standings.
At stake in Nakuru, besides the vital ranking points, is a prize purse of Sh500,000 courtesy of KAGC series title sponsors, NCBA Bank.
Meanwhile, this year’s Coronation Cup—Kenya’s premier golf event before the introduction of the Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 1978—has also drawn the participation of nine lady golfers.
Among them is Kiambu’s Joyce Wanjiru, currently ranked number one in the ladies' amateur golf rankings.
Wanjiru claimed victory at last weekend’s Nyahururu Ladies Open, her fourth win this year.
Other competitors include Muthaiga’s Kellie Gachaga and Vipingo Ridge’s Naomi Wafula, the only female golfer to ever win a KAGC series event.
Commenting on the tournament, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora emphasized the tournament’s role in developing golf in Kenya:
“We are delighted to support events like the Coronation Cup and Bendor Trophy, reflecting our strong commitment to growing the game of golf in Kenya.
As we prepare for this much-anticipated tournament at Nakuru Golf Club, we look forward to witnessing remarkable talent and a great weekend of golfing and networking.
This event is a significant part of Kenya’s golfing tradition, and we are privileged to play a role in its ongoing story. We are excited to connect with our valued stakeholders from Nakuru and beyond as we unite to celebrate the enduring spirit of golf.”
