Jay Sandhu became the second amateur golfer to qualify for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open following his Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championships, the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) series at the par 72 Vet lab golf club today.
The Muthaiga based golfer fired a total of two over par 290 in the four day championships that teed off on Thursday.
With the victory, at 75, 73, 70 and 72, Sandhu joins Ndumberi’s Michael Karanga who have earned their slots for MKO with Karanga, who finished second at Strokeplay won the Kenya Amateur Matchplay last weekend at Sigona golf club
The final round witnessed a thrilling contest as Sandhu produced a composed and strategic performance to overcome overnight leader Karanga.
“It’s an incredible feeling to win such a competitive event. The course was in great shape but very challenging, especially with the pressure of the final round. I’m honored to represent Kenya in the Magical Kenya Open next year, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey,” said Sandhu.
This marks a triumphant return to the top for Sandhu, who last won the Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championship in 2020. His 2025 victory not only reaffirms his consistency and experience at the highest level of amateur golf but also highlights his determination to remain among the elite in the sport.
The championship attracted 144 players, including international participants from Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Mauritius, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, making it one of the most competitive events in the region this season. The four-day tournament was the final leg of the Kenya Swing Series, which began with the Kabete Open and continued with the Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championship at Sigona Golf Club.
Kenya Golf Union Chairman, speaking at the closing ceremony, praised the players’ high standards and sportsmanship:
“Jay’s victory is a testament to the depth of talent we are nurturing in this country. The Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championship continues to be a cornerstone event for elite amateurs, and we are thrilled to see our golfers progressing to global platforms like the Magical Kenya Open.”
The championship now sets the stage for the next major event on the amateur calendar: the Karen Challenge, scheduled for next weekend at Karen Country Club.
Top ten finishers
- Jay Sandhu (Muthaiga) 75, 73, 70, 72= 290
- Michael Karanga (Ndumberi) 70, 71, 73, 77= 291
- Ebill Omollo (Vetlab) 74, 75, 74, 71= 294
- Isaac makokha (Kenya Railways) 81, 71, 68, 78= 298
- Adel Balala (Nyali) 74, 79, 74, 73= 300
- Elvis Muigua (Ndumberi) 75, 76, 75, 74=300
- John Lejirma (Royal) 72, 74, 75, 79= 300
- Daniel Kiragu (Muthaiga) 76, 72, 75, 77= 300
- Pranay kapur (Royal, Johannesburg) 69, 75, 72, 82= 302
- Dennis Maara (Limuru) 74, 78, 78, 74= 304