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Mburugu claims overall Nation Classic Series title
Nation Media Group Chief Corporate Affairs, Marketing and Partnerships Officer, Monicah Ndung'u, (left) presents a gift to Catherine Mburu after she emerged as the overall winner of the 41st edition of the Nation Classic Golf Series at Royal Nairobi Golf Club on July 17, 2026.
What you need to know:
- Former NMG chairman, Dr Wilfred Kiboro and Philip Ochola, the president of Golf Kenya, were among the competitors.
- In the A Division title for players with handicaps of nine or better, host club’s chairman, Silyvester Odhiambo, led with 38 points.
Lady golfer Catherine Mburugu is the overall winner of the 41st edition of the Nation Classic Golf Series. Mburugu produced an excellent 43 points to clinch the title on Friday at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club.
Having been away for over two months, featuring in several events, the golfer returned triumphantly to her home club, beating stiff competition to win the tournament.
“It was a great return to my home club. I haven’t played competitive golf at Royal Nairobi for the past two months,” Mburugu said.
“Everything worked for me — my swing, chipping and putting — and I think that is what gave me the victory, not to mention the course’s current excellent condition,” she added.
On July 3, Mburugu emerged as the overall female winner with 38 points in the Petroleum Institute of East Africa tournament at Muthaiga Golf Club.
“I think it is this score that has triggered her current form.”
“It feels great to win the event on my home course. I had a strong first nine with 23 points. Although I missed some putts on the back nine, 20 points was still a good score.”
In the A Division title for players with handicaps of nine or better, the host club’s chairman, Silyvester Odhiambo, led with 38 points, playing off a handicap of seven. He beat former chairman Mark Odongo Okeyo by one point.
Silas Gitari led the B Division with 40 points, one better than runner-up Bernard Kibaru. In the C Division, which was open to players with handicaps of 19 or better, Christabelle Ochiel took the top prize with 42 points. She beat Kiprotich Tile on countback.
Dorleen Wabere led the NMG staff with 39 points, two ahead of Felistus Gathii. Keith Kibara beat the ten juniors participating in the event after achieving 41 points.
Monica Ndungu, NMG’s Chief Corporate Affairs, Marketing and Partnerships Officer, thanked the club’s officials for hosting the event.
“This year marks the 41st edition of the Nation Classic Golf Series, making it the longest-running golf tournament of its kind in Kenya. Many things have changed over the years, but our belief that golf is much more than a sport has remained constant,” Ms Ndungu said.
She added that for over four decades, NMG has remained committed to golf.
“We have celebrated the sport, invested in its growth, and used our platform to share its stories, because we recognise that sport has the power to unite people in ways that few other things can,” she said.
Odhiambo thanked NMG for hosting the event at Royal.
“We hosted the Nation Classic finals here in 2023, and we would be more than happy to host more Nation Classic events because of the good relationship we have with the Nation Media Group,” said Odhiambo.
Those who participated in the event included Dr Wilfred Kiboro, former chairman of the Nation Media Group, and Philip Ochola, the president of Golf Kenya.
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