Manji proves too good for rivals at Kabete Junior Open

Junaid Manji is proving to be a player to watch in the junior golf landscape after claiming the Kabete Junior Open 2025 title.

As his peers refer to him, Jumanji finished the three-day tournament with 227 (74,78,75) at 11-over, tied with his Sigona Golf Club clubmate Soni Tsevi, forcing a playoff.

The World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) sanctioned tournament was open to self-caddying juniors with valid handicaps.

That saw an international field participate with representation from the United Kingdom (UK), Ghana, China, Serbia, the United States of America (USA), India and neighbouring Uganda.

Sophomore Earnest Herman, playing off handicap 1.2, led the Ghanaian trio of Afful Kingsley (1.4) and Amartey Junior (7.9), who are among some of the top-seeded juniors back home, in seeking the prestigious points from Vet Lab, one of the 10-WAGR ranking events in Africa.

Only 33 competitors, plus ties, sailed past the cutline after the second day.

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"We are here to gain exposure and experience by playing at various courses and opportunities," said Herman.

Despite the absence of a majority of seasoned juniors who are taking part in the 100th edition of Tannahill Shield being staged at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, including defending champion Harish Shashwat, there was stiff competition on the field.

On the last three holes, after the par-four 15th, dogleg left, which was one of the players' Waterloos, it was a seesaw between Soni and Manji, with a stroke difference between them, but Manji had the upper hand.

The par-three 16th saw Soni even the score and sustain the same till the 18th hole to force the playoff. They both parred the 18th, twice, which was the playoff hole as per the tournament's conditions and had to go on to the par-three 16th, par-four 17th and again the par-four 18th. They then both made pars on the 16th and headed to the 17th, where they left their tee shots inside 100 yards off the deck.

Soni's second shot landed on the left fringe while Manji's approach fell short of the green, leaving him with an uphill chip.

On the other hand, Soni struck a soft dying putt that stalled two four feet from the pin and his firm putt rolled past the pin, setting up for bogey.

A composed Manji drained the vital par-putt to seal his victory and win his second major title after securing the Muthaiga Junior Open title a fortnight ago.

The win is a great boost for Manji and other players as they prepare to fly out for the 2025 Africa Junior Championship at The Residence Golf Course in Tunis, Tunisia. The tournament is set for April 25-27.

Others in the team are Tsevi Soni, Nathan Mwangi, Justin Ngeera, Belinda Wanjiru, Audrey Gachora and Hazel Kuria.

"My swing is decent, but I just need to work on my ball striking a bit more. The next plan is to try and play well in the All-Africa Junior Championship," said Manji.

The Overall girls' prize was won by Bianca Ngecu with 235 (77, 76, 82). In the 19-21 years’ category, John Kimemia of Sigona won with 247 (80, 80, 86).