Raju Bhayani rolled back the years at the weekend to emerge the overall winner of the NCBA Golf Series Kisumu leg played at the Nyanza Golf Club.
Bhayani, who had not won a tournament since 2018, produced a brilliant round of 63 net to beat a field of over 40 golfers in the qualifiers.
His victory came via a countback against Lilian Kong’ani, who also carded 63 net but had to settle for the runners-up spot.
Speaking after being crowned champion, an emotional Bhayani expressed his delight at returning to winning ways.
Follow The Standard
channel
on WhatsApp
“I am happy to be back on the podium after more than seven years on the sidelines. It has been a long time, but today I felt confident and enjoyed every shot,” he said.
The win not only gave Bhayani his first title in years but also booked him a place in the NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale, set to bring together the best performers from across the country later this year.
Other players who secured qualification slots in Kisumu included Nishal Shah, who claimed the Division A title with 67 net. Shah also beat new Nyanza Golf Club captain Julius Omollo on count-back.
Division B honours went to Romy Sandu on 69 net, while Division C was won by Vitalis Asewe with a score of 70 net.
In addition to Bhayani, Shah, Kong’ani, and Asewe, Junior winner Emmanuel Brian also booked his ticket to the Grand Finale, rounding off the five golfers from Kisumu who will now battle for national glory.
The competition at Nyanza Golf Club was tight, with golfers putting in spirited performances in pursuit of the coveted slots.
The ball pool winners included Bhayani, Kong’ani, and Tony Nyambogo, who all impressed with consistent play throughout the day.
The NCBA Golf Series, which has been held across several courses in Kenya, continues to attract both seasoned and emerging golfers.
Kisumu leg added another chapter to the growing reputation of the series as a platform for nurturing talent and bringing golfers together in a competitive yet friendly environment.
For Bhayani, however, the victory was personal. After years away from the winners’ circle, the veteran golfer showed that patience and persistence pay off.
“This win means a lot to me. It gives me belief and I am now looking forward to the Grand Finale,” he said with a smile.