Maahir Patel wins 2026 NCBA Kenya Junior Matchplay title

Maahir Patel secured the 2026 NCBA Kenya Junior Matchplay Championship by defeating Yuvraj Singh Rajput 2&1. The 36-hole final, held at Sigona Golf Club, featured two players from the host club. Patel managed to hold his advantage to win the national title on his home course.

Patel took an early lead during the first 18 holes to reach the halfway point 2-up. While Rajput pressured him during the second half of the match, Patel maintained control and ended the contest on the 17th hole. His performance included an eagle on the 10th hole of the second round and several birdies.

This victory is Patel's first NCBA Kenya Junior Matchplay title. He previously finished as the runner-up at the Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship at Limuru Country Club. His path to this championship included a 2&1 quarterfinal win against Sean Widor and a 5&4 semifinal victory over Ewan Widor. In that semifinal, Patel recorded five birdies and four pars over the final nine holes.

Rajput also reached the final after defeating Jelani Kihanya 3&1 in the quarterfinals and Kevin Anyien 3&2 in the semifinals. During his semifinal match, Rajput held a 5-up lead after eight holes before eventually winning on the 16th hole.

Ewan Widor of San Roque Golf Club finished in third place. He defeated Kevin Anyien 7&6 in an 18-hole playoff for the position. Widor secured the third-place spot after recording six birdies in his final seven holes.

The tournament is a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event and offers points for the JGF Order of Merit. Following a one-week break, the junior players will compete in the 3rd NCBA Western Junior Open at Kakamega Sports Club from August 21 to 23, 2026.