Eugene Wafula claims maiden Ruiru Open title

Muthaiga Golf Club's Eugene Wafula secured his first-ever Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) title after winning the 2026 NCBA Ruiru Open at Ruiru Sports Club on Sunday.

Wafula carded a tournament total of two-under-par 217 to emerge victorious in the fourth edition of the championship, holding off a strong field in the three-day World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event.

The win is a significant milestone in the golfer's amateur career and comes at a crucial stage of the KAGC season as players continue to chase ranking points and improve their standing ahead of major regional and international competitions.

Wafula set the pace from the opening round on Friday, firing a three-under-par 70 that included seven birdies. He followed it up with a level-par 73 in the second round to maintain his position at the top of the leaderboard heading into the final day.

In Sunday's decisive round, Wafula produced a composed one-over-par 74 to finish the tournament at two-under-par overall and secure the title by a single stroke.

Speaking after his victory, Wafula expressed his delight at finally breaking through for his first KAGC win.

"It feels great to finally get my first win on the KAGC circuit. I've been working hard on my game and putting myself in contention, so to come through and get the victory means a lot. The competition was very strong throughout the week, and I had to stay patient and focused, especially in the final round. This gives me a lot of confidence heading into the rest of the season," said Wafula.

Former Nakuru Golf Club captain John Kamaisi finished second on one-over-par 218 after closing with an impressive four-under-par 69. He was joined on the same score by Tanzania's Madina Hussein and Golf Park's Josphat Rono, who tied for third place overall.

Rwanda's Felix Dusabe completed the tournament on 219 to finish fifth, while Kiambu Golf Club's Steve Kiaro was sixth on 220.

Meanwhile, golfers in Western Kenya were competing in the fifteenth qualifier of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series at Kakamega Sports Club, with participants battling for spots at the season-ending Grand Finale scheduled for November 28 at Karen Country Club.

Elvis Mbagaya emerged as the Division One Men's winner after returning 67 points, while Dr. Beatrice Shikuku claimed the Division One Ladies' title with 74 points.

In Division Two, Dr. Protus Oketch won the men's category with 71 points, while Dr. Irene Ashioya secured the ladies' title on the same score. Dennis Munyendo won the Division Three Men's category with 70 points, while Carolyne Wambugu topped the Division Three Ladies' category with 64 points.

The junior categories saw Wayne Getanda claim the Junior Boys' title with 65 points, while Gianna Oketch emerged victorious in the Junior Girls' category with 63 points. Bob Odhiambo posted the highest score of the day, returning 85 points to win the Guest category.

The seven top performers became the latest to qualify for the Grand Finale qualifiers, with Elvis Mbagaya, Dr. Beatrice Shikuku, Kunal Chandaria, Carolyne Wambugu, Dennis Munyendo, Immaculate Oketch and Gianna Oketch securing their places at Karen Country Club later this year.

The NCBA Ruiru Open and the Kakamega qualifier form part of NCBA's broader golf sponsorship programme, which supports junior, amateur, professional and club golf across the country.