Birthday Victory for Nyanchera as Stars Shine at 3rd NCBA Coast Junior Open

It was a weekend to remember for Windsor Golf and Hotel Club’s Britney Nyanchera, who celebrated her birthday in the best way possible by clinching the Girls’ Overall title at the 3rd NCBA Coast Junior Open, held from April 25–27 at the historic Mombasa Golf Club.

Nyanchera defied the strong coastal winds, Sunday’s rain showers, and fierce competition to lift the title, carding rounds of 91, 88, and 89 for a gross total of 268. Despite the challenging course conditions, the determined junior golfer held her nerve to finish with a commanding +55 over par and claim top honors among the girls.

Reflecting on her memorable win, Britney said: “The experience was good; the competition was somehow tough because of the weather. However, I feel really good to have won. I’m grateful for the support from my mom and coach for believing in me.”

Her mother, Maggie Nyabate, expressed her pride: “I have been walking with her through this journey, and it feels great to see her winning in competition. She started playing when she was eight years old, and I’m proud to see the growth.”

In the Boys’ Overall category, Mwathi Gicheru from Royal Nairobi Golf Club delivered a standout performance, posting consistent rounds of 75, 76, and 77 for a total score of 228 (+15). His steady play across the three days kept him ahead of the field, earning him the Boys’ Overall Winner title.

In the age group categories, the tournament produced equally thrilling battles. In the Boys’ 19-21 Years, Kevin Anyien (Golf Park) shot three identical rounds of 83 for a total of 249 (+36) to take the title, with Aaron Mutisya (Nyali Golf Club) finishing second with 296 (+83).

Among the Girls’ 16-21 Years, Grace Makasi (Nyali) battled it out to win with a score of 297 (+84), narrowly beating clubmate Rasmeet Kaur who posted 300 (+87).

In the Boys’ 16-18 Years, Hetansh Shah (Sigona) emerged victorious after carding 247 (+34), closely followed by Gicheru Kimani (Royal Nairobi) at 249 (+36).

The Boys’ 14-15 Years division witnessed a tight contest, with Thacker Mitansh (Sigona) winning with 232 (+19) ahead of fellow Sigona junior Yuvraj Rajput with 235 (+22).

For the Girls’ 15 Years and Under, Brianna Ngecu Simone (Muthaiga) displayed steady form to post 270 (+57), with Randy Turi (Windsor) taking second place with 299 (+77).

In the Boys’ 13 Years and Under, Nawenxuan Li (Vet Lab) impressed by carding a gross 282 (+69), edging out Hakeem Mutungi (Limuru) who finished with 298 (+85).

The three-day tournament, part of the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) 2025 calendar and proudly sponsored by NCBA Bank as title sponsor, attracted 45 juniors from across Kenya, underscoring the growing momentum behind junior golf development.

Government representative Rodgers Chimega, chief advisor to the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing young talent:

“There is a perception that golf is a game for the elderly, but we are working to ensure that more juniors take up golf and compete on the world stage. We want young ones not just to play for fun, but to make a living from the sport.”

NCBA Coast Region Manager Yasir Ashu reiterated NCBA’s vision for junior golf: “Our support to JGF is not just about sponsoring tournaments; it’s an investment in the future of Kenyan golf. We want to ensure that every junior has a chance to compete, grow, and dream of global success.”

Mary Mariga, JGF’s Coast Region representative, noted visible progress despite challenges: “We still have fewer juniors in Mombasa compared to other regions. However, JGF is working with coaches and schools to train more juniors, and we expect to see both numbers and quality of play improve.”

Mombasa Golf Club Captain George Mokaya also praised the juniors’ spirit and talent: “The good thing is that these juniors are now participating not just in junior tournaments but also in club events like the Tannahill Shield. Thanks to JGF and partners like NCBA, we are seeing the next generation of golfers take their rightful place on the course.”

He added:”Initially, it was mostly parents pushing their children to golf. But now, with structures in place and more inclusivity, we are seeing a real shift. I sincerely thank NCBA for their continued and generous support of junior golf.”