BY PHILLIP ORWA
Nick Markham and Kate Ngotho capitalised on home advantage to emerge as the overall winners at the latest leg of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series held at Karen Country Club on Saturday, as golfers competed for top honours and coveted spots at the Series Grand Finale scheduled for later this year.
Markham claimed the Overall Men’s title after returning an impressive 75 gross in a competitive field that featured some of the country’s top club golfers.
Speaking after his victory, Markham expressed his delight at the win and securing his place at the season-ending finale.
“It feels fantastic to win this leg of the series. I had a good round and had great playing partners. My putter didn’t work quite well today, and I feel I could have gone lower, but I am happy with my round today. Qualifying for the Grand Finale is a validation that my game is going in the right direction, and I am excited to see where the next step can take us,” said Markham.
In the ladies’ category, Kate Ngotho emerged as the Overall Lady Winner after carding 89 gross on countback, capping off a significant personal milestone after a challenging previous season.
“I am so excited to have emerged top because last year was quite a struggle, so I am very happy to have gotten through this round. Qualifying for the finale means that I get the opportunity to compete against many other players from other clubs and prove that I am the best lady player,” said Ngotho.
Paul Kaguamba emerged as the Men’s Runner-Up after posting 77 gross on countback, while Margareta Gram claimed the Ladies’ Runner-Up prize with 89 gross on countback.
In the Division One category, Kiunjuri Mathu emerged victorious after returning an outstanding 84 gross score.
Liban Roba finished third on 77 gross on countback, while Lesaan Shani took fourth place with 78 gross on countback.
The Division Two categories saw Edwin Nyairo claim the Men’s title with an impressive 43 points, while Jacintah Wambugu secured the Ladies’ honours after carding 38 points.
In Division Three, junior golfer Mutei Mwendwa won the Men’s category with 38 points, while Susan Kihato topped the Ladies’ category with 41 points.
Speaking after the tournament, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the continued growth of the Series reflects the increasing popularity of golf across the country and the value of creating opportunities for golfers of all abilities to compete.
“The NCBA Golf Series continues to provide a platform where golfers can challenge themselves, connect with one another, and enjoy the game at some of the country’s best courses. We are encouraged by the strong participation we continue to witness across the Series and remain committed to supporting the growth of golf while creating opportunities for more players to experience and enjoy the sport,” said Gachora.
The event marked the sixteenth qualifier of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series calendar, which has attracted thousands of golfers across the country this season.
Winners from the various categories earned qualification spots to the highly anticipated Grand Finale set for November at Karen Country Club.
The Series forms part of NCBA’s broader commitment to supporting golf development in Kenya through investments across junior, amateur, professional, and club golf.
