Shawn Malesi Leads NCBA Mt Kenya Junior Championship After Round One

Shawn Malesi of Royal Nairobi Golf Club made a strong start to the NCBA Mt Kenya Junior Open, carding a two-under-par 70 to take the first-round lead at Nyeri Golf Club. This impressive round gives him a two-shot advantage over Hetansh Shah of Sigona Golf Club, who returned an even-par round of 72. The championship has attracted 56 junior golfers from across Kenya, providing a valuable competitive platform for young players.

Hetansh Shah of Sigona Golf Club sits second with an even-par round of 72, while fellow Sigona golfer Yuvraj Singh Rajput is third on two-over-par 74. Justin Ngeera of VetLab Sports Club occupies fourth position with a 76, and Fanuel Yebeltal of Royal Nairobi Golf Club completes the top five after carding 77. The competitive field and strong performances highlight the talent and depth of junior golf in Kenya.

In the girls' competition, Maryam Mwakitawa of Sigona Golf Club leads the field after returning a seven-over-par 79. Rohini Shah of VetLab Sports Club is second with a round of 82. The girls' competition is an essential part of the championship, offering young female golfers the opportunity to compete and gain experience against their peers.

The NCBA Mt Kenya Junior Open is part of the Junior Golf Foundation's (JGF) November regional World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR)-ranked junior golf series. This series aims to broaden access to competitive opportunities and support the development of junior golf across Kenya. The event also contributes towards the JGF Order of Merit, allowing participants to earn valuable ranking points.

Baldev Singh, JGF Mt Kenya Regional Representative, emphasized the importance of expanding competitive opportunities beyond traditional centers of junior golf. He noted that hosting the Mt Kenya Junior Open provides young golfers with a chance to compete in a WAGR-ranked championship, earn JGF Order of Merit points, and gain experience in high-level competition.

The championship is a significant step in strengthening junior golf in the region, with 56 junior golfers participating from different parts of the country. This creates opportunities for interaction, learning, and growth among the players. The series will continue with the NCBA North Rift Junior Open from November 13-15 and the NCBA Central Rift Junior Open from November 27-29.

The NCBA Mt Kenya Junior Open offers a platform for young golfers to showcase their skills and gain experience in a high-level competition. With its WAGR ranking and contribution to the JGF Order of Merit, the championship provides valuable opportunities for junior golfers to develop their game and compete against the best in the region.

Key points

• Shawn Malesi leads the NCBA Mt Kenya Junior Championship with a two-under-par 70.
• The championship is part of the Junior Golf Foundation's November regional WAGR-ranked junior golf series.
• 56 junior golfers are participating in the competition from different parts of Kenya.