Nandi Bears golfer Michael Chebii won the 2026 edition of Kenya Seed Classic Golf Tournament, which concluded on Sunday evening at the par-73 Kitale Golf Club in Trans Nzoia County.
Playing off handicap 21, Chebii carded a total of 142 nett over two days to emerge the overall winner in a tournament that attracted 156 golfers from various clubs across the country at the 18-hole course. His victory earned him the top prize of a heifer.
Chebii, who sharpens his skills under top golfers from Nandi Bears including Nelson Koech, veteran professional Dismas Indiza, and Elly Barno, said winning on the challenging course was not easy.
He acknowledged the difficulty of the course but credited the good organization of the tournament for its success.
“We had good weather and a wonderful tournament from the sponsor. I want to thank the captain for making the course challenging to play, but I finally made it to the top,” said Chebii.
With Nandi Bears golfers having dominated the tournament for years, Chebii said the club boasts some of the lowest handicappers in the region, making training highly competitive.
“Because of the terrain, our region is hilly compared to here which is relatively flat, so we find it easier to play here. I also thank my trainers, especially the single-handicappers, for nurturing me over the years. It was a wonderful tournament and the biggest in the region for people who support agriculture,” he said.
Host club captain Harun Ndegwa also acknowledged the challenging nature of the course that players had to contend with.
“The idea was to make the course challenging so that every player had to think carefully about each shot. We made the pin positions difficult so that anyone playing had to fully concentrate on the game,” said Ndegwa.
He also appreciated the partners who supported the tournament, noting their role in the growth of golf.
“Golf without food can be tough for golfers on the course. We celebrate the winners of today, yesterday and the overall champions who gave their best,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of Kenya Seed Managing Director, International Audit Manager Leonard Kibet described the tournament as a premium event.
“We are happy to sponsor such a premium tournament and with the turnout as a way of giving back to farmers who have supported us. We held another event in Eldoret two weeks ago and we want to ensure farmers are well informed. We have produced the highest number of seeds for different ecological zones,” he said.
Kibet also emphasized the importance of seed authentication.
“Our seeds are certified to protect farmers. Each packet has a sticker that allows farmers to verify the genuineness of our products,” he said.
Home player Josephine Chesang finished second overall with 144 nett, while Ronald Mutambo completed the podium with 145 nett, John Thuo and Julius Kisuna finished fourth and fifth with 145 and 146 nett respectively.
Nandi Bears golfer Michael Kotu won Day One with 69 nett, tied with club captain Isaac Kuto, followed by John Keter and Ann Atieno.
Kakamega’s Isaac Ondieki claimed the Day Two title with 66 nett, ahead of former Eldoret captain Jack Tuwei who scored 70 nett, while Henry Maina and Robert Kinyua tied for third and fourth with 71 nett each.
Nandi Bears’ Elly Barno, who recently represented Kenya at the Africa Amateur Golf Championship in South Africa, claimed the gross title with level-par 146, followed by Faith Ann Chemutai on four-over-par 150.
Leonard Kibet won the staff title with 152 nett, while Ian Kae (77) claimed the Day One staff award.
Nickson Kiplagat and Chemutai won the Longest Drive titles for men and women on Day One, while Nandi Bears’ Mutai Kimeli and Lydia Chebichii claimed the Day Two Longest Drive awards.
Major (Rtd) Reuben Simiyu and Patrick Shikuku won the Nearest to the Pin awards on Day One and Day Two respectively, while Phyllis Kisuna claimed the Senior title with 160 nett.
Phabian Isese and Gorrety Mutai won the Men’s and Ladies’ titles with 148 nett each, while Josephine Njeri took the Best Effort prize with 188 nett.