Messo back in the title hunt after winning Kericho qualifier

Former NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale champion Tobias Messo has taken a significant step towards another title challenge after booking his place in the 2026 season-ending showdown with a standout performance at the Kericho Golf Club Monthly Mug (MUG), a mini-qualifier for the ongoing Series.

Messo, who lifted the overall series title in 2021, carded an impressive 65 nett to claim the Division Two men’s crown during the weekend event, earning automatic qualification to this year’s Grand Finale.

His return to the spotlight at Kericho evokes memories of his memorable 2021 campaign, when he topped the club’s qualifying leg in November before going on to be crowned champion a month later at Karen Country Club.

The Kericho leg also produced another qualifier, with Kimeli Mweu stamping his authority on the field to claim the overall gross title after posting a solid round of 77 gross, securing his ticket to the season-ender. In the men’s gross contest, Ignatius Ngetich emerged as the winner with a score of 88 gross.

In comparison, Dorcas Bert dominated the ladies’ field to take the Lady Gross honours after returning 90 gross, with both performances earning automatic qualification to the finale.

Josphat Jomo led Division Three with a winning score of 69 nett, as Fidel Wasike was crowned the Junior Winner after returning 86 gross, reinforcing the NCBA Golf Series’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of Kenyan golfers.

The 2026 NCBA Golf Series teed off in late January at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, where seven golfers secured early qualification to the Grand Finale before the circuit moved to Kericho for the mini-qualifier.

With the Kericho leg concluded, focus now shifts to Muthaiga Golf Club, which will host the third leg of the campaign this Saturday, February 14.