Kenya’s top amateur golfers will be competing for the chance to take part in the prestigious British Open Championship from July 12–19, when they take to the course at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club for the Africa Amateur Golf Championship, which tees off on Wednesday.
The winner of the Africa Amateur Golf Championship, an event bringing together over 200 players, receives a trophy and an invitation to play in the British Open, with this year’s edition set to take place at Royal Birkdale.
Top amateur golfer Michael Karanga during the Malindi Pro-Am Open Governor's Cup golf tournament on October 7, 2023.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
The five Kenyan players – Michael Karanga, Adel Balala, Elly Barno, Dennis Maara and Josphat Rono – arrived in South Africa and joined John Lejirmah, Elvis Muigua and Daniel Kiragu, who had travelled there earlier.
Now in its third year, the Africa Amateur Championship has established itself as a premier event, bringing together the continent’s leading male golfers under the stewardship of The R&A.
This year’s event is taking place at one of South Africa’s most historic golf courses. The Royal Johannesburg Golf Club was granted its “Royal” status by King George V in 1931 and is considered one of the country’s most prestigious parkland courses.
The event will take place on the club’s renowned East Course, a distinguished championship layout with a rich competitive heritage. It has previously hosted Africa’s top male and female amateur golfers, and boasts an illustrious history of elite events, including ten South African Open Championships and the Joburg Open.
Limuru Golf Club's Dennis Maara follows his chip from 18th hole during Round One of Tannahill Shield tournament on March 30, 2018 at Royal Nairobi Golf Club.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Kenya’s top amateur, Lejirmah from the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, who won both the top amateur golf title and the Golfer of the Year title, will be hoping to impress in South Africa.
The Kenyan team, which has players who have progressed through national competitive pathways, including the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series, is led by Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairman Chris Kinuthia.
Muthaiga Golf Club's Daniel Kiragu follows the progress of his chip from the 12th hole bunker.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Meanwhile, in the absence of eight other stars, Ruiru Sports Club’s Rafael Leming’ani enjoyed a successful weekend at the Nyeri Golf Club, posting an impressive total score of two under par (214), comprising rounds of 72, 69 and 73, to secure victory in the tightly contested Mt Kenya Championship, the second event in this year’s Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series.
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.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
For his effort, Leming’ani, who beat Rwanda’s Jacques Byiringiro by one shot, took home Sh82,400 in prize money. The Kigali Golf Club player, Byiringiro, had carded 69, 73, and 73 for a total of 215. Golf Park’s Amos Odongo was third on 220.
A total of 78 players, from clubs across Kenya and East Africa, took part in the three-day tournament. It was a blend of elite amateurs and emerging golfers.
Meanwhile, over 200 players are expected to compete for the top prize in the annual ICEA Lion King tournament at Thika Greens Golf Resort and Ruiru Sports Club this weekend.
Elvis Muigua poses with the trophy after winning the Winston Churchill Cup at Thika Sports Club on April 07, 2024.
Photo credit: Pool
This weekend’s action kicks off on Friday at the expansive 1,700-acre Thika Greens Golf Resort with an 18-hole corporate tournament featuring CEOs and senior executives from across the country. This comes just a month after the opening leg at Machakos Golf Club, where the series, now known as ‘Road to Vaal’, was born 10 years ago.
The winner of the Thika Greens event will also qualify for the series’ grand finale in October at the Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa, whose champion will then travel to South Africa for the 2027 edition of the Lekoa Classic. The event in South Africa brings together players from Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, Kenya and South Africa, the host nation.
