Balala seals back-to-back KAGC titles with Karen Challenge victory

Nyali Golf Club’s Adel Taufiq Balala continued his impressive run on the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit, claiming back-to-back titles after winning the 2026 NCBA Karen Challenge at Karen Country Club on Sunday.Balala completed the 54-hole championship on level par 216, finishing two shots clear of Nakuru Golf Club’s John Kamaisi, who carded 218. Royal Nairobi Golf Club’s Mwathi Gicheru was third on 219.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883810##The victory comes just a week after Balala won the Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship at Limuru Country Club, making it two KAGC titles in as many weeks and further underlining his strong form this season.Balala made a flying start to the Karen Challenge, firing a six-under-par 66 in Friday’s opening round to take an early lead.However, his momentum was halted in the second round when he returned a seven-over-par 79 on Saturday. He responded strongly on Sunday, shooting a one-under-par 71 in the final round to finish on 216 and secure the championship.St. Brigids Girls Kiminini coach questions late FEASSSA withdrawalKamaisi mounted a serious challenge, improving from a first-round 73 to a two-under-par 70 in the second round, but a final-round 75 left him two shots behind the eventual winner.Gicheru remained in contention throughout, carding rounds of 75, 71 and 73 to finish third on three-over-par 219.Sigona Golf Club’s Junaid Manji Ayaz was fourth on 220, four over par, after rounds of 75, 74 and 71, while home player Joseph Olwali finished fifth on 221 following rounds of 74, 73 and 74.Muthaiga Golf Club’s Jay Sandhu, who recently won the Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championship and became the first amateur to secure a ticket to the Magical Kenya Open 2027, finished sixth on 222, six over par.Why key official believes Kenyan swimming is on the rise after 2026 Commonwealth GamesBalala said the victory was particularly satisfying after recovering from his difficult second round.“It feels great to win again, especially after the Matchplay Championship last week. The second round was difficult, but I knew I still had a chance if I stayed focused and played my game. I am happy with how I responded in the final round and managed to get the job done.”The back-to-back victories, he added, have boosted his confidence as the KAGC season gathers pace.“Winning two titles in a row gives me a lot of confidence. It shows that the hard work is starting to pay off, but there is still a long way to go. I want to keep improving, remain consistent and see how far I can go this season.”KVF drops seven players as Malkia Strikers prepare for CAVB ChampionshipThe Karen Challenge is part of the 2026 KAGC calendar and offered amateur golfers another opportunity to earn valuable ranking points and improve their standings as the season progresses.NCBA Bank Galleria Branch Manager Lydia Mwangi said the bank was pleased to support a platform that continues to provide amateur golfers with opportunities to compete, develop their skills and advance their careers.“The Karen Challenge has once again demonstrated the quality and competitiveness of amateur golf in Kenya. At NCBA, we believe in creating opportunities that empower people to pursue their ambitions, and our support for the KAGC circuit is part of our commitment to growing the game at this level.We congratulate Adel Balala on his back-to-back victories and all the golfers who competed this weekend. We look forward to continuing to support platforms that nurture talent and provide golfers with opportunities to progress in their careers,” said Mwangi.Kenya crowned men’s Hockey Youth Africa Cup Champions as women also qualify for World Cup

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