Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) defending champion Michael Karanga retained his Limuru Open title over the weekend at the par 72 Limuru Golf Club.
The Kiambu golfer, who played in various international amateur championships, fired four over par 76 in the last round on Sunday to take his tally to four over par 220 in the three-day tournament that teed off on Friday in the 54-hole event.
The event did not only count towards the KAGC ranking but also the club trophy and the World Amateur Golf ranking points.
Karanga said taking part in the event, especially after featuring in the international circuit, gives him an upper hand.
“This is my first tournament in Kenya after returning from international duty and I am happy to have emerged victorious. I want to repeat what I did last year and become the champion again,” said Karanga.
This is Karanga’s second title after defending the Coronation Trophy last month in Nakuru.
He rolled in identical level par 72 in both the opening round on Friday and the second round on Sunday to stay third in the KAGC ranking, behind Kenya captain John Lejirma and Kiambu’s Elvis Muigua.
Leader Lejirma, who finished the Limuru event in position T3 on +8 224, leads the pack with 525.8 points with Muigua’s (346.1) second T8 (224) and Karanga third on 264 points.
Ugandan Joseph Akena settled for second position after recording six over par 222 (70, 77, 75) as three players—John Lejirma (Kenya Railways, Tsevi Soni (Sigona) and Elvis Muigua (Kiambu) tied in position three with +8 224.
Leader Board
1.Michael karanga (Kiambu) 72, 72, 76= 220
2. Joseph Reagan Akena (KUGA) 70, 77, 75= 222
T3. John Lejirma (Kenya Railways) 74, 73, 77= 224
T3. tsevi Soni (Sigona) 73. 74, 77= 224
T3. Elvis Muigua (Kiambu) 70, 81, 73= 224
T6. Ebill Omollo (Vet Lab) 75, 77, 73= 225
T6. Josphat Rono (Golf Park) 69, 80, 76= 225
8. Dennis Maara (Limuru) 74, 7676=226
9. Joseph Cnyaai (UGA) 74, 74, 79= 227
T10. Michael Alunga (UGA) 79, 77, 72= 228
T10. John Koina (Muthaiga) 74, 79, 75= 228