The prestigious NCBA Winston Churchill Tournament, one of Kenya’s oldest and most celebrated amateur golf events, once again lived up to its rich legacy at Thika Sports Club. Established in 1949 and named with the permission of Winston Churchill, the tournament remains a cornerstone of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit.
This year’s edition attracted a strong and competitive field of 78 players, featuring top amateur golfers from across the country, all battling for valuable Order of Merit points and national recognition. From the opening round, it was clear the competition would be intense, with the course set up to reward precision, patience, and smart course management.
A Champion’s Blueprint: Fast Start, Strong Finish
In a thrilling and tightly contested finish, Elly Limo of Golf Park Golf Club emerged victorious with a total score of +6 (222), narrowly edging out Elvis Muigua of Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, who finished just one shot behind at +7 (223).
Limo’s victory was built on a brilliant opening round of 71 (-1) — the only under-par round among the leading contenders — which gave him an early advantage that proved decisive. While the rest of the field battled to keep pace, Limo established control with a composed front nine and disciplined approach play.
Moving Day Pressure
Round two saw the leaderboard tighten significantly as challengers mounted their charge. Rono Kimutai surged into contention with an impressive round of 73, showcasing one of the sharpest front-nine performances of the tournament.
Muigua and Kelvin Barasa remained firmly in the hunt, while Limo stayed composed, maintaining his position near the top without taking unnecessary risks. With just a handful of shots separating the leading group, the stage was set for a dramatic final day.
Final Round Drama
The final round delivered exactly what the tournament promised - pressure, drama, and high-stakes golf.
Limo carded a 77, a round defined more by resilience than flair, as the demanding course conditions and mounting pressure tested every contender. Crucially, he avoided the costly mistakes that derailed others, particularly on the closing stretch.
Muigua mounted a strong challenge with a 75, pushing the contest to the very last hole and threatening to force a playoff. However, Limo held his nerve when it mattered most, closing out the victory in composed fashion.
Kimutai, who had positioned himself strongly after round two, was unable to sustain momentum and finished third at +9 (225).
Final Leaderboard (Top 5)
- 1. Elly Limo — 222 (+6)
- 2. Elvis Muigua — 223 (+7)
- 3. Rono Kimutai — 225 (+9)
- 4. Kelvin Barasa — 226 (+10)
- 5. John Kamaisi — 227 (+11)
Course, Composure, and Control
This year’s championship was not won through aggressive scoring, but through mistake management and mental strength. The Thika Sports Club course proved a true test, with several players punished for lapses in concentration, particularly on the back nine.
Big numbers -doubles and worse- proved costly across the field, ultimately separating the contenders from the rest. Limo’s ability to minimize damage and stay composed under pressure was the defining factor in his victory.
A Platform for Excellence
The success of the tournament was made possible through the continued support of NCBA and other partners, whose commitment to the growth of amateur golf in Kenya remains invaluable. The organization, hospitality, and overall atmosphere reflected the high standards synonymous with this historic event.
Beyond the leaderboard, the tournament once again reinforced its role as a critical platform for developing elite amateur talent in Kenya, offering players the opportunity to compete at the highest level while earning crucial ranking points.
Limo’s performance perfectly embodied this championship formula--a strong opening round to take control, followed by disciplined, composed golf under pressure to close it out.
As another memorable chapter is written, the NCBA Winston Churchill Tournament continues to uphold its tradition as a premier event on the KAGC circuit - one that not only crowns champions, but shapes them.