The Muthaiga Golf Club played host to a high-stakes showdown last weekend as the third leg of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series took center stage.
In a tournament that combined elite skill with Valentine’s Day spirit, veteran golfer and former club captain Rajesh Bhabra emerged as the standout performer of the day to compete for top honors and secure one of the seven coveted slots for the NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale scheduled for November at Karen Country Club.
Rajesh Bhabra the Overall Gross Winner and Nancy Ndungu the Overall Lady Winner leading a field of over 270 golfers, including 16 juniors on the third qualifying leg of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series, a premier regional amateur golf circuit. Saturday, February 14, 2026 on Valentine’s Day.
Bhabra secured his victory by carding an impressive 72 Gross off a handicap of 6, navigating the challenging Muthaiga course to outpace a dense field of competitors. The tournament was characterized by a strong showing from senior golfers, who dominated the podium across the primary categories.
Nancy Ndungu’s victory was a notable “reclamation” of the title she previously held in 2023, further cementing her status as a top contender in the ladies’ circuit.
The Muthaiga leg is a critical juncture in the 2026 series for several reasons: Grand Finale Stakes: This event is one of the 13 main qualifiers in a season that features 166 events across East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda). Winners here earn a direct ticket to the KES 60 million-backed Grand Finale.
Corporate Commitment: NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora highlighted that the bank’s Sh60 million investment this year aims to “grow the game at all levels,” with a specific focus on junior development and regional expansion.
The “Home of Golf” Factor, Muthaiga is notoriously difficult; Bhabra’s 72 Gross is considered a stellar round given the pressure of a qualifying leg and the course’s technical layout.
The series now moves forward in its calendar, with subsequent legs planned across the region. The ultimate goal for all qualifiers is the Grand Finale on November 27, 2026, at the Karen Country Club.
By Faustine Agnes
