Golf
Yuvraj Rajput put in an impressive performance to win the boys’ 13-14 years category at the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Fall Local Tour tournament played at the Windsor Golf and Country Club.
The tournament, part of the NCBA Junior golf series and organized by the Junior Golf Foundation – Kenya was back at the par-72 Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club with the Royal Nairobi Golf Club still not in a position to host a tournament following the recent heavy rainfall.
Rajput who leads the boys 13-14 years category with 190 points posted 75 gross to win by four strokes ahead of Aidan Gachora and Justin Ngeera who tied on 79. Rajput picked two birdies in the 1st and 16th holes, then was cheered wildly when he hit an ace in the par 4 hole four.
“I know this course like the back of my head because I come to practice here after school. It was a home course advantage, but that can be an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. Today was my day with the hole-in-one on number four, I’m just speechless. I have no words,” said Rajput.
Rajput has won back-to-back tournaments at the same venue to consolidate his lead in the boys’ 13-14 category. He plans the same approach at the next tournament at the Muthaiga Golf Club in a fortnight.
“Muthaiga is double points, I will practice there on Tuesdays after school and try and get as much practice as possible,” he concluded.
After two back-to-back tournament wins, Yolanda Yu was finally beaten to third position at Windsor, with Marya Nyambura winning with a score of 82. Sophia Nesbitt once again finished second with a score of 86 with Amelia Sheikh and Yolanda Yu tied for third with a score of 87.
“Today the course was good. I enjoyed myself and I tried my best to play well, and I had a good time. My best holes were these two-par fives on one side, and I got birdies on both. I enjoyed myself the most on the first nine,” she observed.
Nyambura last played on the tour in March at Sigona where she emerged third with a score of 92. She missed the other tournaments in March and April before making a comeback at Windsor a week ago. She finished on the podium, third behind joint leaders Yolanda Yu and Sophia Nesbitt.
“I would say this tournament was better because last week, I played 89 and this week I have played 82,” she observed.
Another impressive performance came from Kanana Muthomi in the girls’ 11-12 years old category. Kanana played 73 to win the category and stretch her lead at the top of the standings to 150 season points. Simaloi Mbeya is second in the standings with 99 points with Ashley Muyela third with 98.50 points.
In the boys’ 6 years and under category, Aryan Patel played level par 36 to win the category.
Commenting on the importance of supporting junior golf competitions, NCBA’s Group Director of Marketing, Communication, and Citizenship Nelly Wainaina emphasized the bank’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
“NCBA is excited to be part of this initiative that supports the development of junior golf in Kenya. As a bank, we recognize the importance of investing in the youth and providing them with opportunities to excel in sports. Our investment in the sport of golf reflects our dedication to empowering the next generation of athletes and contributing to the overall well-being of our communities. We have been impressed by the talent and dedication showcased by the young golfers in this tournament, and we look forward to many more successful events in the future,” said Ms. Wainaina.
The juniors have a two-week break before the last tournament of the JGF US Kids Fall tour at the Muthaiga Golf Club.