The Mulembe Junior Open showcased budding talent, with 76 young golfers displaying impressive skill and sportsmanship across all categories at the 18-hole Royal Nairobi Golf Club on Sunday.
The celebration of junior golf was a testament to the sport’s growing popularity in the country.Gol
“Approximately 85 per cent of the Kenyan professional golfers come from the ‘Mulembe nation’, highlighting the region’s rich pool of talent,” said George Esuchi, the Captain of the Mulembe Golfing Society.
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He expressed gratitude to the Royal Nairobi Golf Club for hosting the event and emphasised the society’s initiative to bring junior golfers from Kitale Club and Kakamega Sports Club. The initiative provided them with an opportunity to acquire special coaching and the chance to play on another course.
South African- based Myle Fernandes who is a member of Kitale Club was declared the overall winner upon returning a score of level-par.
“I won the Mulembe Junior Open golf tournament because of my extensive preparation, focusing on my short game, course management and mental discipline. That combination of preparation, focus and execution gave me an edge over the competition,” Myles said.
In the special competition, Shuhan Peng took the top honours in the ‘Two Club’ challenge on hole number 13. The putting competition saw fierce competition, with Ivan Telo winning in 6-8 category. In the 9-10 putting challenge, Surya Bongu emerged as the winner, with Dalia Kabugu securing the runner-up spot.
Avanti Bongu won the chipping competition, while Cayleb Kebathi took second place.
The main categories, which were divided according to age and number of holes played, saw several standout performances.
The youngest competitors demonstrated great promise. The winner for the boys’ category was not available, but Mark Macharia was a deserving second-place finisher.
In the girls’ division, Kaali Wazighe took home the winner’s prize, with Reeva Nyaguthi finishing as runner-up.
In age 7-8 (nine holes) Micah Katonga put on a masterful display to win the boys’ category with a gross score of 44.
Joseph Kabugi earned the second-place prize with a gross score of 57. For the girls, Riley Ndirangu secured the victory with a gross score of 75, and Page Wanjiru was second with a gross score of 76.
In the 9-10 years (nine holes), Surya Bongu emerged the winner for the boys category with an impressive gross score of 42. Zandro Obiero was runner-up, with a gross score of 48.
In the girls’ division, Anati Bongu claimed the winner’s spot with a gross score of 48, while Dalia Kabugi finished as the runner-up with a gross score of 60.
For the 11-13 years category (18-holes), longest and most challenging category, Jerome Njuguna was crowned the boys’ winner with a gross score of 91.
Kai Mukumbu wound up second with a score of 101. For the girls, Natakia Kemei delivered a winning performance with a gross score of 110 and Terry Njau finished as the runner-up with a gross score of 113.
“We believe in nurturing the next generation and that goes beyond just providing nutritious products. It’s about championing lifestyles and a love for sports. The discipline and dedication we’ve seen from these young golfers are truly inspiring, and we are proud to support their journey,” said Carol Nkirote, Health and Nutrition Manager at Brookside Dairy Limited.