Adel Balala putts during the Karen Challenge/HANDOUT
Adel Balala has vowed to focus on consistency and a strong finish to the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) season after claiming back-to-back titles with victory at the 2026 NCBA Karen Challenge at Karen Country Club on Sunday.
The Nyali Golf Club golfer completed a remarkable fortnight by adding the Karen Challenge title to the Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship he won at Limuru Country Club last week.
“Winning two titles in a row gives me a lot of confidence. It shows that the hard work is starting to pay off, but there is still a long way to go. I want to keep improving, remain consistent and see how far I can go this season,” said Balala.
His latest victory was far from straightforward.
Balala opened the 54-hole championship with a superb six-under-par 66 on Friday to take control of the tournament, but his challenge appeared to wobble in the second round when he carded a seven-over-par 79.
Instead of surrendering his advantage, the Nyali golfer responded with a composed one-under-par 71 in Sunday's final round to finish level-par 216 and claim the title by two shots.
Nakuru Golf Club's John Kamaisi finished second on 218, while Royal Nairobi Golf Club's Mwathi Gicheru was third on 219.
“It feels great to win again, especially after the Matchplay Championship last week. The second round was difficult, but I knew I still had a chance if I stayed focused and played my game,” said Balala.
“I am happy with how I responded in the final round and managed to get the job done.”
Kamaisi improved from a first-round 73 to a two-under-par 70 in the second round, but a closing 75 left him two shots behind the champion.
Gicheru had rounds of 75, 71 and 73, while Sigona Golf Club's Junaid Ayaz finished fourth on 220. Home player Joseph Olwali was fifth on 221.
Muthaiga Golf Club's Jay Sandhu, the Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championship winner who recently became the first amateur to secure a ticket to the Magical Kenya Open 2027, was sixth on 222.
The championship is sponsored by NCBA Bank, whose Galleria Branch Manager, Lydia Mwangi, praised the quality and competitiveness displayed during the tournament.
“The Karen Challenge has once again demonstrated the quality and competitiveness of amateur golf in Kenya. We believe in creating opportunities that empower people to pursue their ambitions and our support for the KAGC circuit is part of our commitment to growing the game at this level,” said Mwangi.
“We congratulate Adel Balala on his back-to-back victories and all the golfers who competed this weekend."
"We look forward to continuing to support platforms that nurture talent and provide golfers with opportunities to progress in their careers.”
