Lejirma emerges victor at Windsor Classic
Win saw him earn the top cash prize money of Ksh 115,600
John Lejirma, 34, of Royal Nairobi Golf Club is the 2025 Windsor Classic Champion after carding -3(213) over three days of action at the Par 72 Windscor Country Club course in Kiambu County.
He played a three over par 75 gross on the first day on Friday, added a brilliant five under par 67 gross on Saturday before sealing victory on Sunday with a one under par 71 gross to carry the overall lead that also saw him earn the top cash prize money of Ksh 115,600. He floored 146 top leading Amateurs from the East African region to clinch the overall title
““I’m truly grateful for winning this event and I want to thank my sponsors especially my own club Royal which I joined recently. It was a great hosting event, the course was extremely amazing compared to two years ago. I am also fresh from the Magical Kenya Open which was a great experience for me where I learned a lot from it. Coming to this event was a gear up and I’m glad to have kept the streak alive. This victory for me is a reminder that hard work pays off and I’m excited for what is ahead, “said Lejirma.
Kiambu’s Elvis Muigua playing off handicap index +1.3 was the runners up on a total score of 215 gross after playing 73,70 and 72 gross in the three rounds and went home with Ksh. 69,400, while Muthaiga’s handicap index +0.7 Jay Sandhu recorded a total of 219 gross (71,74,74) for a third place slot and was content with Khs. 46,200 prize money.
It was however a bad weekend for the tournament’s defending Champion Michael Karanga from the home golf club who finished to tie fifth with Kiambu’s handicap index -1.2 Steve Kiaro on a total of 225 gross each behind Rwanda’s handicap index +2.4 Jean D’Amour Hitayezu who had a total of 222 gross.
This event also attracted 6 talented Kenyan female golfers that added an exciting dynamic to the competition where Vipingo Ridge Club’s handicap index + 1.1 Naomi Wafula managed to sit tenth overall but was the top lady in the tournament on a total of 227 gross (76,77,74) and was awarded Ksh. 16,200 prize money.
The rest of her colleagues Kellie Gachaga, Joyce Wanjiru, Margaret Njoki, Diana Mbuba and Jane Waweru unfortunately missed the cut after two rounds on Saturday.This was a highly sought-after event in the amateur golf calendar that also had a prize pool of Ksh. 500,00 which was shared to 52 top players and ties.
