Michael Karanga reclaimed his Kiambu Open title, the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series that came to an end yesterday at the par 72, Kiambu golf club.
Playing on home club, Karanga secured his eighth title of the season at the third edition of the tournament having participated in 16 tournaments this year, he once won in 2022 before Naomi Wafula beat Godfrey Nsubuga on play-off last year.
Karanga had won Manchester Salver in Eldoret, Kenya Railways Invitational, Coronation Cup in Nakuru, Limuru Open, Coast Open Barry Cup, Karen Challenge, and the Malindi Open Vasco da Gama Cup.
His win has solidified the lead in the KAGC series standings with 776 points after enjoying home advantage, with an impressive 5-under-par total of 139 over two rounds, finishing eight strokes ahead of his competitors.
He carded a stellar 67 in the first round and a 72 in the final round, while the second round on Saturday was cancelled due to heavy rains.
Last year’s Kiambu Open champion, Naomi Wafula of Vipingo Ridge, and Kenya Railways’ John Lejirma tied for second place, each finishing with a total score of 147, three over par.
Wafula showcased remarkable resilience, rebounding from a challenging first-round score of 77 to shoot an impressive 70 on the final day.
“I finished strong in second place at the Kiambu Open—so close to defending my title. Forever grateful to my supporters for keeping me motivated,” said Wafula.
Lejirma, meanwhile, posted a 75 in the first round but recovered in the final round with a solid 72.
He currently sits in second place in the 2024 KAGC series standings, amassing 646 points from 22 events and clinching five titles this season.
This year’s KAGC calendar features a total of 28 tournaments, with only two remaining: the Uhuru Shield at Royal Nairobi Golf Club and the Nyali Open at Nyali Golf and Country Club.
Karanga is expected to be officially crowned the 2024 KAGC champion at next month’s Nyali Open, which will also earn him a direct entry into the 2025 Magical Kenya Open.
Karanga is the defending champion of the 2023 KAGC series.
Other who have already secured a spot in the 2025 Magical Kenya Open include William Odeck, who clinched the 47th NCBA Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship held at Nyali Golf and Country Club in August and Michael Alunga who won the 2024 NCBA Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship held at Windsor Golf and Country Club