Vara, Ngecu claim top honours in dramatic fashion at Kenya Invitational

The final day of the tournament featured two playoffs, underlining the depth of talent and competitiveness across the age groups.

In the Girls 8 and Under category, Zara Mutungi claimed the title after a tense three-hole playoff against Tanvil Shah, eventually sealing victory on the ninth hole with a composed finish.

In the Boys 13 to 14 category, Justin Ngeera edged out Dominykas Petkevicius on the 19th hole, securing the win with a steady par to cap off a closely contested battle.

In the elite categories, Aarush Vara produced a calm level par total over the final round to win the Boys 15 to 18 title, while Bianca Ngecu matched the performance with a level par finish to claim the Girls 15 to 18 crown after an impressive three day showing.

Across the younger divisions, Victor Haland posted a total of plus 33 to win the Boys 6 and Under category, Aryan Patel finished at plus 7 to take the Boys 7 title, while Surya Bongu claimed the Boys 8 category at plus 6.

Ivan Kimutai led the Boys 9 division at plus 10, Hakeem Mutungi topped Boys 10 at plus 8, Ishaan Patel won Boys 11 at plus 9, and Adam Nesbitt emerged victorious in Boys 12, also at plus 9.

In the girls’ divisions, Leticia Mwangale secured the Girls 9 to 10 title at plus 4, Aarna Mengi won the Girls 11 to 12 category at plus 15, and Sophia Nesbitt topped the Girls 13 to 14 division with a plus 15 finish.

Bianca Ngecu’s level par total over three rounds sealed the Girls 15 to 18 title in commanding fashion.

Speaking after the tournament, Junior Golf Foundation President Vincent Mukiri praised the level of competition and character displayed by the juniors.

“This year’s NCBA Kenya Invitational reflected everything we aim to build through junior golf, strong competition, resilience under pressure, and respect for the game. These tournaments play a critical role in preparing our players for elite competition locally and internationally,” he said.

Kenya Golf Union Chairman Chris Kinuthia said the Invitational was a fitting way to close the national golf calendar.

“As the final major event of the year, this tournament brings together the outcomes of the entire golf ecosystem, junior development, governance, coaching, and competition. The quality we have witnessed here shows that Kenyan golf is moving in the right direction, with juniors forming a very strong foundation for the future,” noted Kinuthia.

Golf Kenya President Philip Ochola highlighted the broader progress of the sport during the year. “The NCBA Kenya Invitational not only crowns our junior season but also reflects the growth we have seen across the game in 2025.

From grassroots and interschools to elite junior and amateur competition, golf in Kenya continues to mature. Events like this bring all stakeholders together and set the tone for the next season,” Ochola said.

The 2025 NCBA Kenya Invitational brought together junior golfers from nine countries, with World Amateur Golf Ranking points available in select categories, reinforcing the tournament’s status as one of the leading junior golf events in the region and an important bridge between junior and elite amateur golf.