Shashwat Harish, a 16-year-old golfer from Muthaiga Golf Club, has won his maiden Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) title at the NCBA Golf Park Open. He achieved an impressive 11-under-par total of 199, securing a two-stroke victory over 79 players at Golf Park Golf Club. Harish's rounds of 65, 67, and 67 over the three-day championship earned him the top spot, making him one of the youngest golfers to claim a KAGC title.
Harish beat John Kamaisi of Nakuru Golf Club, who finished second with a nine-under-par total of 201. Rwanda's Hitayezu Jean D'Amour of Vet Lab Sports Club completed the top three with a three-under-par total of 207. The victory marks a significant milestone for Harish, who is still competing in the junior ranks against established amateur players in the Kenya Golf Union's KAGC Series.
The 2026 edition of the NCBA Golf Park Open attracted a field of 79 players, with the nine-hole layout at Golf Park Golf Club accommodating the maximum field for the event. Earlier in 2026, Harish played at the prestigious Magical Kenya Open, gaining valuable experience on one of the region's biggest golfing stages. He also helped lead Peponi School to victory at the NCBA Lisle Shaw Memorial Interschool Tournament at Royal Nairobi Golf Club.
Harish's latest triumph at Golf Park adds another milestone to an already promising season. Alongside the championship title, he walks away with KSh 115,600 in prize money. Tournament Director and Kenya Golf Union Vice Chairman Jonathan Marucha praised Harish's performance, highlighting the importance of providing opportunities for emerging junior talent to compete at the highest level of amateur golf.
Marucha stated that Harish's victory is a strong statement about the progress of junior golf in Kenya. He emphasized that young golfers like Harish can compete with and beat established amateur players with the right opportunities and support. NCBA's investment in the sport has created platforms for the next generation to thrive, according to Marucha.
Joshua Munga, NCBA Platinum Relationship Manager, reiterated the organization's commitment to supporting the growth of golf in Kenya. He noted that their investment in the sport is driven by a belief in people, their ambitions, and their potential to achieve more. Munga stated that Harish's achievement is an example of what can happen when talent is matched with opportunity, dedication, and the right support.
The Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series provides a competitive pathway for amateur golfers across the country, with events hosted at different clubs throughout the season. The inclusion of young players like Harish among the leading contenders reflects the steady progression of junior golf and the increasing competitiveness of Kenya's emerging talent.
Key points
- Shashwat Harish wins maiden KAGC title at NCBA Golf Park Open
- 16-year-old golfer achieves 11-under-par total of 199
- Harish's victory marks a significant milestone in his golfing career
