NCBA Bank Chairman Isaac Awuondo in action during the VetLab Sports Club leg of the NCBA Golf Series 2025-min. Photo: Organisers
The 2025 NCBA Golf Series teed off in style over the weekend at the par-72 Vet-Lab Sports Club, attracting a strong field of 240 golfers who competed to secure the first available slots for the Series Grand Finale.
Leading the pack in the Gross Category was John Odhiambo, playing off a handicap of 2, who emerged as the Overall Gross Men’s Winner. John carded an impressive 73 gross, finishing one-over par to take the day’s top prize.
On the ladies’ side, Mary Karano, with a handicap of 14, secured the title of Overall Gross Lady’s Winner after delivering a commendable 83 gross.
The Nett Categories showcased equally outstanding performances. In Division One, which features golfers with handicaps up to 12, Njani Ndiritu (handicap 12) rose to the occasion, scoring an impressive 41 Stableford points to claim the overall Division One title.
Overall Nett category winner Njani Ndiritu (R) receives his award from NCBA Group Corporate Banking Ag. Director Charles Omondi at VetLab Sports Club-min. Photo: Courtesy
Commenting on his win, Ndiritu expressed his excitement over his stellar performance, saying: “I’m thrilled to have performed so well on such a challenging course. I came prepared for this tournament and I started well in the first nine. I fell a bit in the second nine, but I still believed I could post some good results in the end. The level of competition was incredibly high, and I am proud to have secured my place in the Grand Finale. I look forward to what the rest of the series will bring.”
In Division Two, comprising players with handicaps ranging from 13 to 24, the Men’s title went to Nicholas Imbugwa, who posted a stellar 42 points while playing off handicap 15. In the same division, Anisya Ibragimova, playing off handicap 23, claimed the Ladies’ crown with an impressive 43 points, the highest score of the day.
In the Division Three category, which caters to players with handicaps of 25 and above, Ruth Foulser, playing off a handicap of 34, emerged victorious with an equally remarkable 43 points.
Mary Karano Overall Gross Lady’s category winner receives her award from NCBA Group Corporate Banking Director Charles Omondi-min. Photo: Organisers
In the Junior Category, Saruni Meely, with a handicap of 22, showcased great potential by securing 33 points.
The top performers in the various categories earned coveted spots in the 2025 NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale, where they will compete against other qualifiers for ultimate honors at the end of the season.
Nelly Wainaina, NCBA Group Director of Marketing & Communications, shared her enthusiasm for the successful start of the series, noting: “We are thrilled to return to Vet-Lab Sports Club to tee off the 2025 NCBA Golf Series. This course has once again proven why it is one of the most prestigious in the region, and the turnout today reflects the growing passion for golf. As we embark on this fifth edition of the series, we are excited about the opportunities ahead to nurture talent, strengthen partnerships, and bring the golf community closer together.”
The NCBA Golf Series, now in its fifth year, has grown to become one of the most significant golfing circuits in East Africa. This year, the series will feature 41 qualifier events across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. The Series will continue to traverse the region, with its next stop set for Nandi Bears on 1st February as golfers aim to secure their place in the Grand Finale.
