Lejirma chasing third Ronald Marshall & Toby Gibson Trophy title

Two-time champion John Lejirma heads to Muthaiga for the highly anticipated NCBA Ronald Marshall & Toby Gibson Trophy golf tournament, set for Friday, 23 to Sunday, 25 May, as the man to beat.

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The tourney has attracted an impressive field of 45 golfers, including top elite amateur golfers who are out to deny the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) leader, Lejirma, his third title in a row and a chance to extend his stay at the top. 

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Set to be played in a matchplay format, following an 18-hole stroke play qualifier, only the top 16 players from the qualifier will advance to the knockout stages, where strategies and nerves will be put to the test in pursuit of the coveted trophies.

"Being the defending champion is an honour, and winning a third title would be amazing," Lejirma told Mozzart Sport. "However, I am under no pressure. Preparations have been going on well since playing in Kiambu Open, and any adjustments have been made. This course is always very technical, and that is the approach I will give the event."

Lejirma goes to battle without his closest competitor, Michael Karanga, who won the Kiambu Open on Sunday, 11 May, to move second on the KAGC Order of Merit, just 72 points behind the leader.

"He is a great competitor, and while others teeing off present a challenge, his absence gives a clear path for victory should I stick to and focus on my game plan," Lejirma added.

Lejirma is coming off a second-place finish at the Kiambu Open, where he posted rounds of 75, 72, and 73 for a total score of 220 (+4). His consistent ball-striking and recovery play kept him in contention throughout the event.

Despite an up-and-down start in Round One, marked by several bogeys, Lejirma steadied his game in Round Two with birdies at the 1st, 9th, 11th, and 13th to finish level-par for the day. He began Round Three on fire with birdies on the first three holes, later adding two more on the 11th and 16th.

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However, his quest for the title was hampered by a double bogey on the 7th and bogeys at holes 8, 9, 10, and 15.

He faces stiff competition from third-ranked Elvis Muigua, who is eager to bounce back after a 16th-place finish in Kiambu that saw him drop to third on the KAGC rankings, among other top golfers.