Isaac Makokha holds nerve to claim 2026 Tea Fields trophy in Kericho

Isaac Makokha maintained his composure across three rounds to claim the 2026 NCBA Tea Fields Trophy at Kericho Golf Club on Sunday.

The Kenya Railway Golf Club player carded three consistent rounds of 76 to finish on 12-over-par 228, securing the latest Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series (KAGC) title by two shots.

Makokha, a former Deaflympics golf bronze medalist, held off challenges from Daniel Mwangi and Ken Serem, who tied for second on 10-over-par 230.

Mwangi opened with a 73 before carding rounds of 77 and 80, while Eldoret’s Serem posted 72, 78 and 80.

Elvis Muigua finished fourth on 15-over-par 231, with Muthaiga’s John Koina completing the top five on 17-over-par 233.

Cyprian Bundi, who won the NCBA Nanyuki Open in his previous KAGC outing, finished sixth on 19-over-par 235, level with Nandi Bears’ Elly Barno.

Meanwhile, Ishaan Patel produced one of the weekend’s standout moments at the NCBA U.S. Kids Golf Nairobi Local Tour at Thika Sports Club.

Patel recorded the first par-four hole-in-one in the history of the Nairobi Local Tour after holing his tee shot on the seventh hole.

Patel carded 85 and finished runner-up in the Boys 12 category after a playoff, with Jerome Njuguna eventually taking the title.

Adam Nesbitt also impressed, winning the Boys 13–14 category with a one-under-par 71.

In the younger categories, Zara Mutungi won Girls 8 & Under with 35, while her brother Hakeem Mutungi claimed the Boys 10 title with 37.

Victor Halland won Boys 6 & Under with 41, Ethan Gakuya took Boys 7 with 47, David Mugambi won Boys 8 with 38, and Surya Bongu claimed Boys 9 with 41.

Luke Oduor won Boys 11 with 76, while Tsorav Soni took the Boys 15–18 title with 83.

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

More than 140 junior golfers competed across the different age categories, giving the young players an opportunity to gain regular tournament experience.

NCBA Bank Thika Branch Manager Nicholas Njenga said the bank’s support for junior golf is aimed at creating opportunities for young players to develop their talents while encouraging families to plan for their futures.

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

Registration is also open for the fourth NCBA Kenya Invitational, which will be held at Karen Country Club from December 18 to 22.

The international U.S. Kids Golf event will bring together junior golfers from around the world, with players holding Priority Status Level 4 eligible to participate.