Kenya’s top amateur golfer, Michael Karanga has set his sights on winning the Tanzania Open after winning the 2025 Nanyuki Open over the weekend.
Karanga, whose final score of 1-under-71, 68, 76 (251) was enough to clinch the victory, acknowledged the challenging course set-up conditions, particularly on the final day even as he eyes Golfer of the Year (Goty) title.
He recovered from a difficult five-over on the front nine on the final day, rallying with a brilliant one-under on the back nine to seal the win.
“The course was definitely a challenge, especially with some tough pin positions on the final day. You want a fair course for everybody, and we must get that to ensure enjoyable and competitive play,” he said.
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The victory in Nanyuki has intensified the competition for the prestigious Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Goty award. Karanga has narrowed the gap with the current leader, John Lejirma of Royal Nairobi Golf Club, closing a nearly 1,000-point deficit from two months ago to just 163.
Karanga, who already secured the award in 2023 and 2024, is now aiming for a three-peat.
“My aim is to win the Goty award for three years in a row,” he confirmed, adding that he is also competing with Lejirma for the distinction.
It was a great accomplishment for the host players, who included Cyprian Bundi, Daniel Mwangi, John Mutaha, Jediel Muriungi, Gabriel Miungi and Charles Rob, who made the cut out of the eight who entered the Nanyuki Open.
Bundi finished second overall with a stellar performance, shooting 1-over-72, 72, 73, (217), attracting accolades from his home course’s legion of fans who were in tow as he came down the final stretch.
The new week will see no rest for the champion. Karanga is scheduled to depart today to play in Tanzania Open. Following the tournament in Tanzania, he will return to Kenya to compete in the Nyanza Open – Hippo Pot tournament, opting to skip the Tea Fields Open, set for Kericho next weekend.
“At the moment, I’m focused on closing the gap in the KGU points chase. It’s also a big honour for me to be given the chance to represent this great nation in the upcoming Africa Region IV tournament in Madagascar.”
Karanga will represent Kenya in the Region Four tournament to be held at the Golf du Rova Luxury Hotel, in Antananarivo, on November 25-29.
Chris Kinuthia, the KGU Chairman, named the team, which includes Lejirma, Karanga, Elvis Muigua and Junaid Manji.