The Sigona Golf Club witnessed history on July 27 when Michael Karanga of Kiambu Golf Club defeated South Africa's Prannay Kapur in a fiercely contested match, marking a turning point in African amateur golf during the Kenya Open 2026 Championship Qualifiers.

He became the first golfer to earn a coveted spot at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, which is a part of the prestigious DP World Tour, in addition to winning the 2025 NCBA Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship.

The final was a display of talent, determination, and special excitement that only a match play format can provide. Fans were captivated from dawn until dusk as Karanga, the reigning champion of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC), squared off against South African Kapur.

Both players handled the first 18 holes of the match with poise and noticeable nerves in the cool morning air. Then the second round of 18 holes in the afternoon began after a brief break. After 36 exhausting holes, the scoreboard stayed level as neither player was willing to give up even an inch. As the duel progressed to a playoff, which is golf's equivalent of extra time in football, where the winner would be decided by sudden death, the drama and competitive tension only increased.

All eyes were on these two outstanding amateurs as the first extra hole began. Karanga secured the match on the 37th hole by edging past the 21-year-old Kapur at the first chance, displaying steely nerves and champion-like poise.

Indeed, this was more than just a tournament win for Karanga. He earned a direct qualification for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open as a result of his tenacity and consistency throughout the Kenyan and continental amateur circuits.

It was clear how emotionally charged the moment was. For any athlete, earning a spot on the DP World Tour is a reward for years of perseverance, selflessness, and self-belief. Whereas Karanga received 300 KAGC points and a Ksh130,000 winner's prize, there was more to the 2025 NCBA Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship than the final pair. Some 78 elite amateurs from Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Mauritius, and Tanzania participated in the tournament - demonstrating the growing popularity and prominence of amateur golf in Africa. However, in the end, Karanga emerged as both a champion and an inspiration, highlighting the rich competitive landscape that is developing on the continental scene.

With its fairways and greens offering a test deserving of such a major championship, Sigona Golf Club played flawless host. The Kenya Golf Union praised the club's flawless preparation as well as its consistent support from NCBA Bank, whose sponsorship guarantees that amateur competitions in the area are held to ever-higher standards.