Muigua clinches back-to-back victory at NCBA Cup in Thika

Elvis Muigua successfully defended his title at the NCBA Winston Churchill Cup, held at Thika Sports Club, by delivering a stellar performance against a highly competitive field of Kenya’s top amateur golfers.

Representing Ndumberi Golf Club, Muigua displayed consistent excellence across the three-day tournament, posting impressive rounds of 69, 75, and 68 to finish at a total of 212 (-4).

His final round was particularly impressive. On the front nine, he picked up birdies on the 1st, 2nd (which he birdied across all three days), and 9th holes, dropped just one shot on the 5th, and made pars on the rest. The back nine saw him maintain his momentum with birdies on the 10th, 13th, and 16th holes, dropping a shot on the 17th and parring the remaining holes.

Muigua’s composed and strategic play kept him atop the leaderboard from early on, eventually earning him the winner’s prize of KSh 115,600.

“My game is very nice right now. I’m hoping to improve more and more as we keep practicing for the upcoming tournaments,” said Muigua following his win.

This marks Muigua’s first victory in the 2025 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series, having competed in five events so far this season.

Finishing second was his clubmate and reigning 2024 KAGC Series champion, Michael Karanga, who posted rounds of 71, 76, and 70 for a total of 217 (+1). Karanga had an explosive final round, with birdies on the 1st and 2nd holes and an eagle on the 9th. He dropped a shot on the 4th, and another on the 14th during the return nine, but bounced back with a birdie on the 15th to finish two-under for the day.

Despite entering the tournament as the favourite, Karanga couldn’t close the gap on the in-form Muigua.

Limuru Country Club’s Dennis Maara, the former Team Kenya captain, claimed third place with rounds of 72, 73, and 76 for a total of 221 (+5). Though he started strong, he struggled in the final round to maintain his form.

Ndumberi’s Steve Kiaro secured fourth place at +7, while Naomi Wafula—the only female golfer in the field—made a remarkable impact with a top-five finish. Representing Vipingo Ridge Golf Club, Wafula posted rounds of 76, 73, and 76 for a total of 225 (+9).

Muigua’s triumph at Thika not only added another title to his growing list of accolades but also underscored his status as one of Kenya’s most promising golf prospects.

The NCBA Winston Churchill Cup, played at the par-72 Thika Sports Club, attracted 78 elite amateur golfers and is considered a key event on the local golf calendar. The total prize purse stood at KES 500,000 sponsored by NCBA Bank.

Following his win, Muigua rose to second place in the 2025 KAGC player rankings with 200 points, just four points behind Royal Nairobi’s John Lejirma (204 points). Karanga is currently ranked third with 170 points.