Patience, composure key to back-to-back KAGC series wins

Jay Sandhu poses with his trophy/ HANDOUT

Jay Sandhu said patience and composure were the secrets behind his back-to-back victories on the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC).

The home favourite claimed the 2026 NCBA Muthaiga Open title — the fifth leg of the KAGC series — after carding rounds of 69, 70, and 72 for a total of 2-under-par 211.

He fended off a competitive field of 145 elite amateurs, including 15 juniors, four of whom made the cut to play the final round.

Speaking after his win, Sandhu says:

“Winning here at Muthaiga is always special, but to do it back-to-back, after Windsor, feels incredible. The course was playing fast and I knew I had to stay patient when those bogeys crept in on the back nine. This win isn’t just about the trophy; it’s about the momentum we’re building for next year’s Magical Kenya Open qualification.”

Sandhu secured the top prize of Sh115,600 from the Sh400,000 purse.

The battle for second was equally intense. John Lejirma of Royal Nairobi pushed the pace with an aggressive final round of 71.

Lejirma’s scorecard was the most active of the day, featuring five birdies on holes 6, 7, 12, 15, and 18. However, five bogeys prevented him from catching Sandhu, leaving him at level par 213 (69, 73, 71) for the tournament, taking home Sh69,400.

The KAGC overall defending champion noted: “It was a fight from the first tee to the last green. I felt like I had the birdies in me today, but a few dropped shots, especially on the par-4s, kept the lead just out of reach.

Two shots is a small margin at Muthaiga, but I’m happy with how I’m striking the ball. I can only hope to improve moving forward to other tournaments.”

Rounding out the podium was Michael Karanga, who showed remarkable consistency and improvement throughout the weekend, carding rounds of 73, 71, and a final-day 70.

His 1-under-par final round was one of the best of the day, moving him into third place with a total of 1-over-par 214. He earned Sh46,200 for his efforts.

Muthaiga’s Daniel Kiragu secured fourth place with a 3-over-par 216, while Bo Ciera rounded out the top five at 4-over-par 217.

At the prize-giving ceremony, NCBA Ciata Mall Branch Manager Emmanuel Leitemu said,

“At NCBA, we are incredibly happy to support the growth of golf in Kenya. Watching Jay Sandhu maintain his form and seeing the grit of players like Lejirma and Warigia confirms that the standard of the KAGC is reaching new heights. The circuit is growing stronger with every leg, and we are proud to provide a platform where every performance brings these athletes closer to their professional dreams.”

The win extends Sandhu’s lead at the top of the standings to 560 points. Junior star Junaid Manji is second with 334 points, followed by Lejirma with 230 points.