By Phillip Orwa
The 2026 NCBA Golf Series continues this Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, as Muthaiga Golf Club hosts the third leg of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series, ushering in a busy golfing weekend.
The weekend will also feature the third leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series and the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Spring Nairobi Tour.
More than 200 golfers have confirmed participation at Muthaiga and will battle for seven Grand Finale slots across various categories.
Competitors will vie for top honors including overall gross winner (men and lady), overall gross runners-up (men and lady), third and fourth best overall gross, and junior winner.
Great Rift Valley Championship
Meanwhile, more golf action will unfold at Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, where 78 amateurs will compete for the third NCBA Great Rift Valley Championship title from Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15, as the KAGC Series also enters its third leg.
Defending champion Rafael Leming’ani will be seeking to retain his title after edging out Josphat Rono and Ebill Omollo in a dramatic three-hole playoff last year. The trio had finished round three tied at 11-over par 224.
Leming’ani will once again tee it up alongside Rono, with John Kamais and Isaac Makokha also featuring in the draw. Louisa Gitau will be the only female golfer in the field over the weekend.
The defending champion is optimistic about his chances following a strong start to the season, which included victory at the Mt Kenya Championship two weeks ago.
“There is a little bit of pressure going into this leg because everyone is looking at me as the defending champion. However, I have had a good start to the series and the win at the Mt Kenya Championship is a big boost for me at such an early stage in the competition. I have trained well and I am ready for the weekend,” Leming’ani said.
Junior Golf Action at VetLab
In addition to the NCBA Golf Series and the KAGC Series, the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Spring Nairobi Tour will tee off at VetLab Sports Club on Sunday, February 15.
The junior event, jointly organized by U.S. Kids Golf and the Junior Golf Foundation Kenya, is expected to attract more than 100 junior golfers aged between 5 and 18 years.
The event highlights NCBA’s commitment to nurturing young talent by providing a competitive yet supportive platform for emerging golfers.
NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the bank is excited about the packed weekend of golf.
“We are set for the first busy golfing weekend of the year where we will have activities across the NCBA Golf Series, the KAGC Series, and the U.S. Kids Golf Spring Nairobi Tour. This is a testament to what we continue to work towards in our involvement in the sport to ensure that we grow the game at all levels.”
He added:
“This NCBA Series and the KAGC Series teed off earlier, and both are set for the third leg this weekend, and the enthusiasm is already showing. We are proud to support this dynamic sport that fosters community and skill development across the region.”
Great Rift Valley Championship – Round One Draw
1st Tee
07:30 – I. Makokha, A. Ngugi
07:39 – B. K., M. Kihara, Y. Rajput
07:48 – A. Odongo, F. Njenga, T. Soni
07:57 – A. Gitahi, K. Longwe, B. Kinyara
08:06 – F. Wasike, E. Wachira, G. Sehmi
08:15 – S. Mulama, V. Oyango, J. Kamaisi
08:24 – L. Gitau, L. Shani, K. Anyien
08:38 – T. Saidimu, J. Saikwa, W. Ali
08:47 – M. Patel, J. Rono, R. Kibicho
08:56 – K. Metto, N. Kungu, L. Kamau
09:05 – E. Ngene, S. Ngige, R. Kibugi
09:14 – C. Phiri, S. Etaan, J. Koina
09:23 – J. Kamenchu, M. Muhoho, A. Efremov
09:32 – M. Wekhomba, E. Kiarie, B. Waikwa
09:41 – K. Munyiri, C. Aketch, S. Muriithi
09:50 – P. Kiige, N. Kimani, R. Nyambura
09:59 – M. Shah, S. Gichari, J. Muhingo
10:13 – N. Nderitu, M. Kipchirchir, G. Eshuchi
10:22 – J. Mugo, K. Barasa, W. Kariuki
10:31 – D. Makori, P. Loris, K. Ladak
10:40 – J. Mwai, T. Thuku, K. Mutai
10:49 – S. Kirui, A. Kitur, G. Gathure
10:58 – R. Nyanchoga, D. Murima, G. Mukundi
11:07 – A. Ladak, D. Okemwa, C. Wambasi
11:16 – B. Omondi, W. Otsianyi, R. Leming’Ani
