Sixteen-year-old Shashwat Harish has made history by claiming his maiden Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) title at the fifth NCBA Golf Park Open. He achieved an impressive 11-under-par total of 199 to win by two strokes at Golf Park Golf Club. Harish delivered rounds of 65, 67 and 67 over the three-day championship, beating a competitive field of 79 players. This victory marks a significant milestone for the young golfer from Muthaiga Golf Club.
Harish beat John Kamaisi of Nakuru Golf Club, who finished second on nine-under-par with a 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 Muthaiga Golf Club junior golfer is one of the youngest golfers to claim a KAGC title. Harish has enjoyed a remarkable year of progress, playing at the prestigious Magical Kenya Open and leading Peponi School to victory at the NCBA Lisle Shaw Memorial Interschool Tournament.
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. Harish's latest triumph at Golf Park adds another milestone to an already promising season. He also led Peponi School to victory at the NCBA Lisle Shaw Memorial Interschool Tournament at Royal Nairobi Golf Club, where he carded an impressive one-under-par round to claim the individual gross title.
Alongside the championship title, Harish walks away with KSh 115,600 in prize money. This significant achievement underlines the progress of junior golf in Kenya. 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 added that the experience Harish gained at events such as the Magical Kenya Open shows what is possible when young talent is given the right opportunities and support. NCBA's continued investment in the game has helped create platforms where the next generation can thrive.
Joshua Munga, NCBA Platinum Relationship Manager, reiterated the organization's commitment to supporting the growth of golf in Kenya. He noted that its investment in the sport is driven by a belief in people, their ambitions, and their potential to achieve more. Munga added that NCBA's philosophy of Banking on Belief is about believing in people, their ambitions, and their potential to achieve more.
The KAGC Series provides a competitive pathway for amateur golfers across the country, with events hosted at different clubs throughout the season. Harish's achievement is a great example of what can happen when talent is matched with opportunity, dedication, and the right support. The Kenya Golf Union and NCBA remain committed to supporting the growth of the game and creating opportunities for the next generation of golfers.
Key points
- Shashwat Harish wins Kenya Amateur Golf Championship title at 16 years old
- Harish achieves 11-under-par total of 199 to win by two strokes
- The victory marks a significant milestone for junior golf in Kenya
