By PHILLIP ORWA
The 2025 edition of the Railway Invitation is set to tee-off from today, Friday 29th through to Sunday 31st August at the historic Kenya Railway Golf Club, bringing together a strong field of 72 elite amateur golfers from Kenya and across the region, including entrants from Burundi and Zambia.
Defending champion Michael Karanga, who secured last year’s title with a score of 2-under par, returns to try and retain his crown. Karanga heads into the event with the lowest handicap in the field at -2.2, setting a high bar for the competition. He will be joined by Kenya’s top-ranked amateur, John Lejirma, as well as Elvis Muigua and other top amateurs expected to mount a serious challenge for the title. The Railway Invitation has set a handicap limit of 10.0 to ensure a highly competitive field.
The tournament will feature a prize purse of Sh400,000, with the winner walking away with Sh92,500.
The Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series continues to play a key role in nurturing and showcasing emerging golf talent. This year, six juniors will be in action, including Mwathi Gicheru, who recently posted a commendable T6 finish at the Karen Challenge with a score of +8 over three rounds.
Also notable is the participation of Kellie Gachaga, who will be the only lady in the field.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Kenya Golf Union Tournament Director Brian Akun said “We are delighted to host yet another important leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series here at the Kenya Railway Golf Club. The Railway Invitation has a proud history and continues to attract top talent from across the region. We extend our gratitude to NCBA Bank for their unwavering support and continued partnership in growing the amateur game in Kenya.”
Elsewhere, more golfers will have the chance to book their slots for the much-anticipated 2025 NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale on Saturday during the Mombasa Golf Club Monthly Mug.
More than 100 golfers are expected to grace the course in Mombasa for the event that will see the coastal-based club host their sister-club Royal Nairobi Golf Club for their annual joint mug.
Last weekend, the series continued its regional presence as three golfers from Tanzania earned the honour of representing their country at the Grand Finale in Nairobi, Kenya, next month after triumphing over 140 golfers who showed up at the TPDF Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam.
Nsajigwa Mwansasu emerged as the men’s gross winner after carding 77 strokes with Vicky Elias being crowned the Lady gross winner after an impressive 74 strokes. Khalid Shemndolwa was the winner in Division A winner with 71 nett to wrap the list of quealifiers for the event.
