Haniff Tayebjee claimed victory with an outstanding score of 75 gross during the 14th leg of the 2023 NCBA Golf Series, hosted at Sigona Golf Club on Saturday.
Competing among a field of 266 golfers, which included Kenyan professional golfer Mohit Mediratta, Tayebjee displayed remarkable skill and determination to secure the overall title of the final Kenyan qualifier event of the golf series.
He faced fierce competition from Alishaam Merali, who also demonstrated his golfing prowess, clinching the top spot in the men’s category with an impressive score of 77 gross, surpassing Shivam Shah, who secured the second position in the category with a score of 81 gross.
In the ladies’ division, Rachael Ndei excelled, achieving a score of 83 gross to secure the top spot. Playing off a handicap of 10, Rachel outperformed Jaini Shah, who claimed the second position with a score of 89 gross.
Among the junior competitors, Viraj Shah, with a handicap of four, showcased exceptional talent to emerge as the top player with a score of 86 gross.
In the Nett categories, Sagar Batt, playing off a handicap of 22, and Sally Ndemi, playing off a handicap of 32, claimed victory among the men and ladies, respectively, posting impressive scores of 64 and 71 nett.
Krish Shah emerged as the winner in the Longest Drive challenge among the men, while Rachael Ndei displayed her prowess once more to win the Longest Drive challenge in the ladies’ category.
Reflecting on her performance, Rachael Ndei stated, “It was a fantastic day on the course. My drives, which played a significant role in my victory today, were exceptional. Although my putting wasn’t at its best, I am delighted with my overall performance. I am eagerly looking forward to the Grand Finale and remain optimistic about my performance at the upcoming tournament.”
During the tournament’s prize-giving ceremony, William Muguima, NCBA Group Corporate Business Manager, praised the golfers’ remarkable performance.
“We witnessed a remarkable turnout, and the level of golf displayed was truly outstanding, as evident from the final scores. This event marked the last qualifying event of the series in Kenya, with the remaining three legs set to be held in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania,” Muguima said.
“As we conclude the Kenyan qualifiers, we extend our appreciation to the golfing community for their invaluable support. Their support has not only elevated the golfing experience but has also played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of this sport within our community. We eagerly anticipate our return to Sigona for the Grand Finale scheduled for December this year,” he added.
The Series has so far attracted the participation of over 2,500 golfers since it teed off in March and now moves to the Gymkhana Golf Club in Tanzania later this month before it moves to Kigali Golf Resort & Villas in mid-October. The final qualifying event on the calendar will take place at the Entebbe Golf Club at the end of October.
The Series Grand Finale will be held in December at the Sigona Golf Club, where winners from the respective qualifying events will battle it out for the season’s ultimate crown.
