Isaac Makokha holds nerve to claim 2026 NCBA Tea Fields Trophy in Kericho

Isaac Makokha holds nerve to claim 2026 NCBA Tea Fields Trophy in Kericho

Isaac Makokha kept his composure over three rounds to claim the 2026 NCBA Tea Fields Trophy, winning the latest leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series at the par-72 Kericho Golf Club on Sunday.

The Kenya Railway Golf Club player, a former Deaflympics golf bronze medallist, carded three consistent rounds of 76 to finish on 12-over-par 228, securing the title by two shots.

Makokha held off a strong challenge from Daniel Mwangi and Ken Serem, who both finished on 10-over-par 230. Mwangi opened with a 73 before returning rounds of 77 and 80, while Eldoret’s Serem carded 72, 78 and 80 to finish level with Mwangi.

Elvis Muigua was next on 15-over-par 231 after rounds of 79, 71 and 81, while Muthaiga’s John Koina finished fifth on 17-over-par 233 following rounds of 79, 75 and 79.

Cyprian Bundi, fresh from winning the NCBA Nanyuki Open in his previous KAGC outing, closed the Kericho championship in sixth place on 19-over-par 235 after rounds of 79, 78 and 78. He finished alongside Nandi Bears’ Elly Barno, who carded 78, 80 and 77 for the same total.

Ishaan Patel Makes History at NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Thika Leg

Meanwhile, the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Nairobi Local Tour produced a memorable moment at Thika Sports Club on Sunday, 4 October, when Ishaan Patel recorded the first par-four hole-in-one on the tour.

Patel holed his tee shot on the par-four seventh hole, producing the rare feat of an ace and an albatross. He went on to finish runner-up in the Boys 12 category after a playoff for the title, having carded 85 alongside eventual winner Jerome Njuguna, who prevailed to take the honours.

Adam Nesbitt was another standout performer, winning the Boys 13–14 category with an impressive one-under-par 71. In the younger age groups, Zara Mutungi claimed the Girls 8 & Under title with 35, one under par, while her brother Hakeem Mutungi won the Boys 10 category with 37.

Victor Halland won the Boys 6 & Under category with 41, while Ethan Gakuya took the Boys 7 title with 47. David Mugambi carded 38 to win Boys 8, while Surya Bongu won Boys 9 with 41.

In the older boys’ categories, Luke Oduor won Boys 11 with 76, while Tsorav Soni emerged victorious in Boys 15–18 with 83.

Among the girls, Maria Asiyo won the Girls 9–10 category with 41, while Leticia Mwangale claimed the Girls 11–12 title with 78. Ashley Muyela won Girls 13–14 with 77, while Shani D’Souza took the Girls 15–18 category with 97.

Speaking during the event, Nicholas Njenga, NCBA Bank Thika Branch Manager, said the bank’s support of junior golf was focused on creating opportunities for young players to develop their talents while encouraging families to plan for their future.

“At NCBA, we believe in talent and in creating opportunities that enable young people to become better at what they do. Through our support for junior golf, we are proud to play a part in providing these young golfers with platforms to compete, learn and grow. We also encourage parents to invest in their children’s future, both in their talents and education, by taking advantage of the financial planning, investment and education solutions available through NCBA.”

The Thika event attracted more than 140 junior golfers across the various age categories, giving the players an opportunity to compete regularly, test their skills and gain tournament experience in an age-appropriate setting.

The Nairobi Local Tour will now move to Royal Nairobi Golf Club on 11 October for the penultimate event of the season before concluding with the Tour Championship at VetLab Sports Club on 25 October.

Registration is also open for the 4th NCBA Kenya Invitational, Kenya’s premier U.S. Kids Golf international event, which will be held from 18 – 22 December 2026 at Karen Country Club. The tournament will bring together U.S. Kids Golf players from around the world, with players holding Priority Status Level 4 invited to participate.

The NCBA Kenya Invitational will provide junior golfers with an opportunity to compete against players from different countries and experience international-level competition on home soil.