Burugu among eight golfers to book NCBA grand finale slots at VetLab

Watson Burugu and Rachel Ndei headlined the qualifiers at VetLab Sports Club as the 2026 NCBA Golf Series moved closer to its Grand Finale, scheduled for November 27 at Karen Country Club.

More than 200 golfers competed in the VetLab leg, where Burugu carded 75 gross to win the men’s title, while Ndei returned 86 gross to claim the ladies’ category.

Steve Orinda and Joy Ndonga also qualified after finishing as runners-up in the men’s and ladies’ categories with scores of 75 and 90 gross, respectively.

Division Two winners Pratik Mandaliya and Grace Waiganjo booked their places after returning 67 and 65 nett, respectively. Woochul Lee qualified by winning Division Three with 65 nett, while Mathu Kiunjuri secured the junior slot with 77 gross.

Ashley Gachora won the Guest category with 76 nett, while Apollo Asol topped the Staff category with 65 nett.

NCBA Group Director of Corporate Banking Charles Omondi said the series continues to create opportunities for golfers to compete, connect and improve their skills, while supporting the growth of the sport and encouraging junior participation.

“At NCBA, we believe in supporting people as they pursue their ambitions, and the NCBA Golf Series provides a platform for golfers to compete, connect and continue developing their game. As we approach the Grand Finale, we are proud of the role the series plays in bringing together golfing communities across the country and supporting the continued growth of the sport, including opportunities for junior golfers,” he said.

The VetLab tournament is among several qualifying legs held at clubs across the country during the 2026 season, with the remaining events offering golfers further chances to secure a place at the season-ending competition.

The Grand Finale will offer significant cash prizes, with the overall gross winner, overall male winner and overall ladies’ winner each set to receive Ksh.130,000. The men’s and ladies’ runners-up will each take home Ksh.80,000, while third-place finishers will receive Ksh.50,000 apiece.

Fourth-place finishers in the men’s and ladies’ categories will each earn Ksh.30,000, while the junior winner will receive Ksh.25,000.

The series is part of NCBA’s continued support for golf in Kenya, bringing together players across different categories and providing a platform for competition, networking and talent development ahead of the Grand Finale at Karen Country Club.