Kiambu Golf Club’s Elvis Muigwa has taken over the lead at the 2024 NCBA Faldo Series Kenya Championship at the Muthaiga Golf Club.
Muigwa who finished third in round one behind Mikael Kihara and Bianca Ngecu was in sublime form in round two, with a score of two under 70 on the day, and one under par 143 overall going into the final round on Wednesday.
He started the day with a birdie in hole one, then three bogeys in holes three, six, and eight, before picking another birdie in hole nine to play one over in the first nine.
His second nine was much better where he picked three birdies in hole ten, twelve, and hole 15 while playing level par in the other six holes. Muigwa says this is his last year to play in the Faldo series and he has to make up for the lost opportunities.
“This is the tournament that I have wanted to win. The first time I lost in a playoff then the other time I did not play because I was away in a region four championship,” explained Muigwa.
Shashwat Harish has moved up to second with a score of two over par 146. After playing two over in round one, Harish played level par 72 in round two. Bianca Ngecu has dropped from second to third with a score of three over par 147.
She was exceptional in round one with a score of one under par 71, but in round two, she played four over par 76 despite a blistering start where she picked three consecutive birdies in holes one two, and three.
Overnight leader Mikael Kihara had a tough time on the course in round two where he played six over par 78, a big contrast from round one where he played two under par 70 to top the leaderboard.
“Today was a bit difficult. I found it difficult to play my fade off the tee and put myself in positions I had put myself in yesterday, a few three putts today came with a few bogeys and double bogeys, so that wasn’t the best for me. But nonetheless, it wasn’t the worst, I’m still in with it,: said a confident Kihara.
Kihara was hoping to tee off last with the leaders in the final round on Wednesday, he will be in the second last group together with Kayden Wissanji and Kevin Anyien.
Wissanji is 5th on the leaderboard with a score of five over par 149. Anyien is sixth one stroke behind with a score of six over par 150, seven shots off the leader, Elvis Muigwa. Anyien says he is not hitting the fairways the way he wants but is happy with his position.
“People are playing very good golf because of the programmes that JGF has put in for us. The two training sessions a week and the weekend sessions as well for Kenya team have helped a lot. I hope it continues this way,” quipped Anyien.
Justin Ngeera, Soni Tsevi and Jelani Kihanya complete the top ten at the end of the second round. The third and last round will tee off at 7:30 on Wednesday at the Karen Country Club.
