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Local amateurs to play more golf tournaments
Elvis Mwigua of Kiambu Golf Club follows the progress of his tee shot from 18th hole during Kiambu Open Strokeplay Championship on November 20,2022 at Kiambu Golf Club.
The Kenya Golf Union (KGU) has expanded the 2026 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series by adding two events.
According to the newly released calendar, the KGU has added the Ulinzi Open to the series. This event will take place at the Kenya Air Force Golf Club at the Moi Air Base in Eastleigh from March 27 to 29.
The other event is the Machakos Open, which will take place at the Machakos Golf Club from April 17 to 19. These additions bring the total number of tournaments in the new series to 33.
The expansion of the series is part of the KGU’s and NCBA Bank’s efforts to promote competitive amateur golf and nurture talent. NCBA Bank is the title sponsor of the KAGC Series.
At least 31 events will be hosted by golf clubs across Kenya under KGU’s coordination and oversight. Meanwhile, the union will organise two flagship championships: the Kenya Amateur Match-Play Championship and the Kenya Amateur Stroke-Play Championship. These events are part of the Kenya Swing, a concept introduced last year to raise the competitive standards of local golf.
In 2026, the Swing will include the Kenya Amateur Match-Play Championship, the Kenya Amateur Stroke-Play Championship, and the Limuru Open, which will take place from July 17 to 19.
The first event, the Kenya Amateur Match-Play Championship, is scheduled for July 23–26 at a venue to be confirmed. The Kenya Amateur Stroke-Play Championship, also without a confirmed venue, will take place from July 30 to August 2, 2026.
Amateur players
The Sigona Bowl, Muthaiga Open, Windsor Classic, and Diani Beach Masters are among the tournaments set for the 2026 series. Each tournament attracts strong fields. These tournaments are key ranking events for top amateur players.
KGU chairman Chris Kinuthia said that the 2026 calendar reflects the remarkable growth of the game and the depth of talent emerging across Kenya.
Josphat Rono of Golf Park follows the progress of his tee shot from 18th hole during Kiambu Open Stroke play Championship on November 20, 2022 at Kiambu Golf Club.
“Each event plays a critical role in developing players and strengthening our golfing ecosystem, from the clubs to the regional associations. We are proud to see more events joining the series, a sign of golf’s continued progress and appeal,” Kinuthia said.
KGU Vice Chairman Brian Akun, who is also the Tournaments Director, said: “From a technical standpoint, next year’s calendar offers a solid and balanced competition framework. The inclusion of new events and the Kenya Swing initiative will raise performance standards and provide players with more structured growth opportunities.”
He added, “These events carry significant World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points. By strengthening their stature, we aim to attract elite amateurs from across the globe. This level of competition will sharpen our local elite players and position them for greater opportunities on the world stage.”
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