Twelve-year-old junior golfer, Nathan Mwangi, stunned the Karen Country Club field during the 2021 NCBA Golf Series on Saturday with a superb haul of 47 points to emerge as the event’s overall winner.
Playing alongside Philip Wahome, Samuel Gatura, and Gary Asige, Nathan made history as the series’ first-ever junior winner and booked his place at the series’ finale, which will be played at Karen in December this year.
For the win, which comes a month to the series’ Junior Golf tournament that will also be held at the Karen, he also gets an automatic slot to play at the junior show set for August 23-24.
Nathan’s outstanding performance saw him claim the overall win, five points ahead of Ken Ombati, who carded 42 points to be crowned winner in the men’s category on count-back.
In the ladies’ category, Akinyi Gitonga claimed top honours on count-back after carding a round of 38 points, ahead of Louisa Gitau, who finished the day as Category runners-up with 38 points.
Claiming top honours in the nines were Kithinji Kiragu, who won best first nine on count-back with 22 points, and Richard Thande, who took top honours in the second nine with 24 points.
In the longest drive competition, Ronald Mwenesi was crowned winner in the men’s category, while Louisa Gitau claimed her second award of the day in the ladies event.
George Ndegwa won the nearest-to-the-pin award, while NCBA’s Digital Business chief operating officer, James Mugo, was crowned staff winner with 37 points.
The tournament’s overall winner, Nathan Mwangi, also took home the junior winner award for his stellar performance. Speaking after the event, Nathan said he looks forward to defending his win next year when the series returns to the Karen.
“I am honoured to be receiving this award. I thank the sponsor for this event as well as my four-ball for their encouragement and company. I hope to come and defend my title next year,” he said.
At the same event, Karen Country Club Captain, Gilbert Maina, said: “Karen is a championship course having hosted several European Tour events. It is one of Africa’s top-rated courses and therefore is a privilege to host a brand like NCBA for this Series.”