• GOLF

• Frank Rotich 2 days ago

Kenya to host junior golfers from eight countries in NCBA Junior Invitational

Kenya will once again be in the global golfing spotlight as young golfers from eight countries gather in Nairobi for the NCBA Kenya Junior Invitational 2025, set for December 20 to 22 at the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club.

‎The tournament, organised by the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF), is the biggest and most prestigious junior golf event on the US Kids Golf calendar in Kenya. It will bring together about 120 top junior golfers from Kenya, Uganda, Lithuania, India, Thailand, Norway, Nigeria and China.

‎Now a key event in the regional junior golf calendar, the NCBA Junior Invitational has grown over the years, earning praise for high standards, strong competition and international participation. This year’s edition further boosts Kenya’s image as a leading destination for junior golf in Africa.

‎The competition is especially important for young players, with the Boys 13–14, Boys 15–18 and Girls 15–18 categories offering World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points. This gives Kenyan and regional juniors a rare chance to earn international ranking points at home.

‎Past editions of the tournament have helped launch the careers of several young golfers who later went on to shine in regional and international amateur events. The Invitational is seen as a key step for juniors moving from local tournaments to the global stage.

‎NCBA Bank, the title sponsor, has strongly supported junior golf across the region in 2025. The bank backed 67 junior tournaments, including 33 in Kenya that attracted over 3,200 young golfers.

Uganda hosted 32 tournaments, while Tanzania and Rwanda also staged junior events, showing the sport’s growing reach.

‎Across the region, more than 5,400 junior golfers took part in NCBA-supported events this year. As part of its grassroots support, NCBA also donated 50 junior golf kits to Lugalo Golf Club to help children who lack access to equipment.

‎NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the tournament shows the bank’s long-term commitment to junior golf development.

“This event gives young players exposure, experience and a clear pathway to grow both locally and internationally. We are proud to see Kenya continue to host world-class junior golf,” Gachora said.

‎‎Tournament Director and Junior Golf Foundation Vice President James Odingo described the Invitational as the highlight of the junior golf season.

“It brings together the best young golfers from different countries and helps prepare our players for international competition. This tournament continues to raise the standard of junior golf in Kenya,” Odingo said.

‎‎The NCBA Kenya Junior Invitational will mark the final junior golf event of the 2025 season, closing the year with a strong statement on Kenya’s growing role in developing young golfing talent.

Kenyan junior golfer Lael Mwangale in action at Windsor during a past NCBA Kenya Invitational junior tournament.