NCBA Golf Series tees off its fourth edition at Royal Nairobi Golf Club

The fourth edition of the NCBA Golf Series kicked off at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club with the 2024 series promising a bigger and better experience for golfers and golf enthusiasts.

The 2024 NCBA Golf Series is scheduled to be played in various golf clubs across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda following the success of the third edition of the 2023 edition.

The fourth series is composed of 23 legs with the inaugural leg slated for Saturday March 2, 2024 at the Kenya Railway Golf Club before moving to other clubs in Kenya and East Africa.

NCBA says the main aim of the NCBA Golf Series started in 2021 is to tap and nurture golfing talent in Kenya and across the region to set the region apart as a global golfing destination.

NCBA Group has also partnered with Kenya’s Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) and is scheduled to host three junior tournaments at Nakuru Golf Club, Nanyuki Sports Club, and Western.

These tournaments are scheduled to take place a day after the qualifiers at the respective clubs, and will provide a platform for young golfers in the regions to showcase their skills.

NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora says this year’s golf series represents a key milestone in the bank’s pledge to the golf sport and its strategic growth in East Africa.

“As NCBA continues to expand its regional reach, we recognize the pivotal role that initiatives like the NCBA Golf Series play in not only uniting individuals and communities, but also contributing to the socio-economic advancement of East Africa,” said Gachora.

Gachora indicated that the golf series is part of NCBA’s sustainability platform “Change The Story” which was unveiled in 2023 in an effort to drive positive inclusive change in society.

“We aim to inspire greatness in sports among communities and provide a platform for both seasoned players and emerging talent to showcase their skills,” he added.

Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Chairman Phillip Ocholla lauded the union’s partnership with NCBA saying it will go a long way to nurture and promoting golfing talent in Kenya and the region.

“The series provides an excellent platform for amateur golfers to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level, further solidifying Kenya's position as a leading golfing destination in the region. We look forward to a successful and thrilling tournament series ahead,” stated Ocholla.

This come after NCBA Group renewed its partnerships with KGU and the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) for the fourth edition of NCBA Golf Series to the tune of Sh18 million.

In the deal, KGU got Sh6 million to oversee the 2024 Kenya Golf Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series, while JGF got Sh12 million to support 2024 junior golf events.

The financial support given to KGU will be used to boost cash rewards for amateur golfers, while the sponsorship for JGF will facilitate junior golf tournaments throughout the year.

NCBA further sponsored four Kenyan amateur golfers - Isaac Makokha, John Lejirma, Josphat Rono, and Michael Karanga – who took part in the recent Magical Kenya Open held at Muthaiga Golf Club.

The 2024 NCBA Golf Series schedule:

1. Kenya Railway Golf Club (March 2)

2. Nakuru Golf Club (March 23)

3. Sean Cliff Golf Course (March 28)

4. Eldoret Sports Club (April 6)

5. Ruiru Sports Club (April 20)

6. Thika Sports Club (May 4)

7. Rwanda (May 4)

8. Moi Airbase Eastleigh (May 11)

9. Uganda Golf Club (June 8)

10. Karen Country Club (June 15)

11. Rwanda (June 15)

12. Kili Golf Club (Tanzania)

13. Sigona Golf Club (July 13)

14. Rwanda (July 13)

15. Jinja Golf Club, Uganda (August 3)

16. Limuru Country Club (August 10)

17. Vetlab Sports Club (August 24)

18. Nanyuki Sports Club (August 31)

19. Gymkhana Golf Club, Tanzania (September 21)

20. Royal Nairobi Golf Club (September 28)

21. Entebbe Club, Uganda (October 5)

22. Nyali Golf & Country Club (October 12)

23. Great Rift Valley Lodge (October 26)

24. Grand Finale, Muthaiga Golf Club (November 29)