Local golfer Elly Barno secured his first Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) title in style, winning the NCBA Nandi Bears Open Shield at the Nandi Bears Golf Club over the weekend.
The three-day tournament saw 69 participants competing for the top prize, but Barno capitalized on his home advantage to emerge victorious. He carded an impressive total score of 217, finishing just one over par, to beat seasoned competitors Isaac Makokha of Kenya Railway Golf Club and John Kamais from Nakuru Golf Club.
Makokha, who placed second, finished two strokes behind Barno with a score of 219 (+3). He outperformed Kamais, who settled for third with a total score of 221 (+5), following his recent win at the 2024 NCBA Nyanza Open ‘Hippo Pot’ Tournament.
Barno set the pace early, taking the lead in Friday’s opening round with a spectacular score of 69 (-3). He registered a birdie on the second hole, followed by steady pars and additional birdies on holes 6 and 8 on the front nine. Barno continued his fine form with two more birdies on holes 15 and 16 on the back nine.
Despite facing some challenges in the second round on Saturday, where he carded a 75 (+3), Barno held his nerve on the final day. He posted a solid 73 (+1) on Sunday, securing the championship title.
Makokha, a trailblazer as one of the few deaf golfers in the circuit, recorded rounds of 75, 72, and 72, while Kamais posted rounds of 76, 70, and 75 over the three days.
The NCBA Nandi Bears Open Shield follows the 2024 Malindi Open Vasco da Gama Cup held in September, where Michael Karanga successfully defended his title. Up next on the KAGC calendar is the Diani Beach Masters, set to take place next weekend at the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort.
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