Defending champions Kenya have made a strong comeback in the ongoing Africa Region Four Golf Championships, surpassing former champions Uganda in an intense battle at the Par 71 Addis Ababa Golf Club in Ethiopia.
With Burundi’s withdrawal from the tournament, the five participating nations are competing in stroke play due to the odd number of teams.
After leading in Round One with a score of nine over par 222, Uganda failed to maintain their momentum as Kenya surged to the top with a total score of (+17) 443, closely followed by Uganda at (+21) 447.
Team Ethiopia held onto their third position, posting a score of 26 over par 239 on Wednesday, while Tanzania secured the fourth spot with a score of 28 over par 241. Rwanda improved their performance in Round Two, climbing from last place to third position with a score of (+42) 468.
Hosts Ethiopia followed in fifth place with a score of (+48) 474, and Tanzania dropped to sixth place with a score of (+54) 480.
Among the Kenyan players, Michael Karanga from Kiambu Golf Club continued to shine, finishing as the best Kenyan on the course with a score of one over par 143. Ugandan golfer Godfrey Nsubuga took the lead with an impressive score of two under 140.
John Lejirma from Kenya Railways moved up to the third position with a score of three over par 145. Captain Dennis Maara from Limuru finished tied for seventh place with a score of (+15) 157, while Kiambu’s rising star Elvis Muigua concluded Round Two in tenth place with a score of (+160 158).
Muigua earned his spot in the team after winning the Trans Nzoia Open in Kitale, while Karanga, the leader of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) series, showcased his expertise with five KAGC victories: Coronation Cup (Nakuru), Sigona Bowl, Windsor Classic, Muthaiga Open, and Railway Invitation.
Lejirma secured a win at the Marshall (Njoro) tournament, and Maara claimed the Winston Churchill title at Thika Sports.
As the tournament enters its third round, Nsubuga, a familiar face in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) series, is favoured to lead the field in the remaining 74-hole competition.
