Mercy Nyanchama, on Sunday, added the Nanyuki Ladies Open title to her collection, giving the clearest indication yet of her intention to dominate the women’s national golf scene.
Taking advantage of the absence of star players Naomi Wafula, Joyce Wanjiru and Margaret Njoki, who have turned professional, Nyanchama secured her fourth title of the season with an impressive three-over-par 75 gross.
One of the pioneers of the Rose Naliaka Academy, Nyanchama, travelled to Nanyuki after winning the Nyahururu leg on Friday with a gross score of 83 and the Nyeri tournament on Saturday with a gross score of 78.
The player, a member of the Njoro Country Club in Nakuru County, was on top form again at the Nanyuki event, which is one of three in the Mountain Region Inter-Club League.
“Of all the events I have won so far, this is the only one I have won with over-par scores. The other three events were under par,” said an elated Nyanchama.
On Sunday, during the tournament on the nine-hole course at Nanyuki Sports Club, Nyanchama, playing off a plus-three handicap, beat junior player Doris Mideva by six shots. Eldoret’s Esther Chumo finished third after beating Rebecca Njui on countback with 83 gross.
Mercy Nyanchama follows the flight of her tee shot from 10th tee during Karen Ladies Open at Karen Country Club on April 29th 2023.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Dorcas Bett led the net division with a score of 72, winning by a shot from Lydia Jebichii. Grace Wanjohi finished a distant third on 77 nett, two shots ahead of Judy Nyambura.
Junior player Kavithe Kabugi took the B division title with 70 nett, three shots better than Winnie Towett’s 73 nett. Sarah Gatumbo led the C division, which was played in the Stableford points format. Gatumbo carded 32 points, beating Wachuka Jenny on countback.
Nyanchama had earlier won the Windsor Ladies Open with a score of two under par, the same as at the Limuru event. Her best round so far was a five under par 67, achieved at Sigona Golf Club on February 7.
“My goal is to win more ‘Golfer of the Year’ events so that I can maintain my top position in the 2026 ‘Golfer of the Year’ series,” said the 28-year-old.
She is currently ranked 1,073rd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, based on her first three victories and 15 top-ten finishes.
Having won two more events since then, she is likely to gain some points and improve her standing in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
As well as dominating the local scene, she has represented Kenya in a number of international ladies’ events.
“I will put more effort into my practice programme going forward to improve my scoring,” said Nyanchama, whose next targets are the Thika Sports Club and Muthaiga Ladies Open on June 8, which will be followed by the Muthaiga Ladies Open.
