Shashwat Harish and Shelby Bungei Shine in NCBA North Rift Junior Open
Shashwat Harish from Muthaiga Golf Club shot one under par in the first round, 5 over par in the second round and 6 over par in the third round to emerge the overall boy winner of the inaugural NCBA North Rift Junior Open held at Nandi Bears Club on 8th-10th November 2024.
Shelby Bungei from Kitale Club emerged as the overall girl winner with an aggregate score of 293 gross having played consistent rounds of 99, 97, and 97 gross over the three rounds. The event is the first 3 day junior event in the region that is recognized by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and is sponsored by the NCBA Bank and ICEA Lion.
Shashwat Harish attributed his win to landing the ball in the right places and thanked his parents and coaches for the support granted to him. “I have enjoyed playing the Nandi Bears Club course which is in a pristine condition. I will always remember this course because I played my first ever under-par round in a tournament during the first round. I thank my caddy and playing partners, Tsevi Soni and Phelix Cheruiyot for the great game on the course.” Shashwat also reiterated the importance of practicing and participating in as many tournaments as possible to improve on the game and play better.
Phelix Cheruiyot from Nandi Bears Club showed great form playing 84, 78, and 79 gross respectively for a total of 241 gross to emerge the winner of the Boys 19-21 Years Category followed by home mate Jefferson Kipchumba on 260 gross. Maureen Jepleting and Ruth Jepkemei from the same club played 321 and 329 gross respectively to emerge the winner and runner-up in the Girls 16-21 Years Category.
Muthaiga’s Jason Mwai played 257 gross to win the Boys 16-18 Years Category followed by Briskern Amusala from Kakamega with 284 gross. Tsevi Soni played the second best score after Shashwat of 239 gross consisting of 79, 83 and 77 to win the Boys 14-15 Years Category followed by Yuvraj Rajput from Sigona with 248 gross. Pendo Kanaiza from Kisii Sports Club led the girls 15 years and under category with 302 gross while Heeran Kipkurui from Nakuru led the Boys 13 Years and Under category with 282 Gross. Niel Kabora from Kisii played 295 gross to emerge the runner-up of the Boys 13 Years & Under.
Speaking during the tournament, the JGF North Rift Region Representative, Mr. Fandi Shiyukah congratulated all the players for participating in the event and appreciated the sponsors NCBA Bank and ICEA Lion for supporting the junior golf programs. “There is a lot of work that we need to do in the region to nurture the budding talents and expose our players to more tournaments. ”
45 Juniors between 9 and 21 years old drawn from Nandi, Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisii, Kitale, Muthaiga, Nakuru, Nandi, Sigona, and Vet Lab Golf Clubs participated in the event where in the top 33 and ties made the cut to the final round.
Focus now shifts to the NCBA Western Junior Open that is set to be held for the first time at Kisii Sports Club on 29th November to 1st December 2024.
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