Lejirima's Dominant Performance at Nyanza Golf Club

Royal Nairobi Golf Club's John Lejirima was crowned the 2025 NCBA Nyanza Open Hippo Pot champion on Sunday, October 12, 2025, after an impressive three-round total of 209, finishing one under par at the challenging Nyanza Golf Club course in Kisumu. This marks Lejirima's third Hippo Pot title, adding to his wins in 2022 and 2023.

Lejirima maintained his composure over three days of competitive golf, narrowly defeating William Odeke from Nyali Golf and Country Club by a single shot. Odeke concluded the tournament at level par with a total of 210, while John Koina from Muthaiga Golf Club secured third place with a score of +5 (215).

Tournament Dynamics and Course Challenges

The Nyanza Golf Club course, known for its changing winds and fast greens, presented a significant test for all golfers. Lejirima's consistent rounds of 70, 69, and 70 were crucial to his triumph. Odeke's resilience was evident in his rounds of 69, 72, and 69, while Koina's steady performance of 73, 71, and 71 showcased his skill despite difficult pin placements.

The tournament, a key event in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series, attracted top amateur golfers from across Kenya and the East African region. The Hippo Pot has been a cornerstone of the national amateur golf circuit since its inception in 1990, growing in prestige and drawing players from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Future Implications

The NCBA Nyanza Open Hippo Pot is one of 28 events organised by the Kenya Golf Union and contributes to the Golfer of the Year and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). The event's attractive prize pool, one of the largest in amateur golf in the region, is a significant factor in its success.

The participation of local Nyanza golfers, including club caddies, who performed admirably against seasoned national players, highlights the tournament's role in fostering local talent. Twenty players, including these local talents, made it into the money bracket.

Evidence/Data Box

• Winner: John Lejirima (Royal Nairobi Golf Club)
• Winning Score: 209 (one under par) over three rounds
• Runner-up: William Odeke (Nyali Golf and Country Club)
• Prize Purse (2024): KES 600,000, with the overall winner taking KES 130,000. (Note: 2025 prize purse details not explicitly stated, but 2024 figures provide context.)
• Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025 (EAT)
• Venue: Nyanza Golf Club, Kisumu
• Significance: Part of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series.

What to Watch

Lejirima's continued dominance in the amateur circuit sets a high bar for upcoming tournaments. Golf enthusiasts will be watching to see if he can maintain this exceptional form and further cement his legacy in Kenyan golf. The performance of emerging talents, particularly local players who made the money cut, also signals a promising future for the sport in the Nyanza region.