By DANIELLA APIYO

Kenya amassed 19.5 points to win the 2017 East African Golf Challenge Trophy following three days of play in Tanzania. The victory, powered by eight local players, two drawn from junior ranks, marked Kenya’s 13^th title since the tournament was inaugurated in 1999.

Defending champions and hosts Tanzania (17) fell 2.5 points shy of the indomitable Kenyans and settled for second place on 17 ponts while Uganda claimed the last podium position on 14 points. Rwanda (10.5), Ethiopia (5.5) and Burundi trailed from 4^th to 6^th in that order.

Bubbly junior gofers Agil Is Haq of Nyali and Mutahi Kibugu of Muthaiga complimented senior players of Team Kenya that comprised Railway Golf club duo of Alfred Nandwa, and Samuel Njoroge, Edwin Mudanyi (Vet Labs), Joseph Gathumbi (Kiambu), John Karichu (Limuru) and Dennis Saikwa Royal Nairobi).

John Karichu battled Ali Saidi of Tnzania of Tanzania to square on the opening day singles while Samuel Njoroge was a 4-3 winner in a duel with Oruo Ronald of Uganda. Mudanyi, Kagwe, Saikwa, Kisia and Nandwa all won their opening day singles while Is Haq fell to Rwanda’s N. Celestine.

Second day saw Kenya win three Foursomes duels while squaring one with Uganda. Saikwa and Njoroge unable to steer clear but still holding out for a draw. Agil and Nandwa combine to down Burundians Harerimana and Djabar 7-6 with another duo of Mudanyi and Kagwe combined to win 3-2 over Rwandan opponents. Kisia and Karichu were 4-3 Foursomes victors over their hosts as Kenya gathered momentum on second day.

Kenya also scooped victory in Day two Better Ball Match Plays as Njoroge/ Saikwa partnership set the golfers on a winning path. Kisia and Karichu, Mudanyi/Kagwe and Nandwa Agil all triumphed while Tanzania won three of four Better Ball Match Plays.

Kenya finished off with 6 wins, a draw and loss in Singles. Mudanyi lost to Ugandan Muhumza while Kisia squared with Tanzanian opponent Amani. Is Haq, Njoroge, Karichu, Kagwe, Saikwa and Nandwa all came out victorious to wrap the title for Kenya.

Kenya last lifted the regional trophy in 2013 when it was staged in Naivasha’s Great Rift Valley Resort. “The boys played some serious golf and that makes me so happy to bring the Cup back to Kenya,” said Kenya’s national team coach John van Liefland.

“We are capable of being the best in Africa ” a purring Richard Wanjalla,
Chairman Kenya Golf Union who had accompanied the team to Tanzania

The tournament was first played in 1999 in Kenya and involves the members of East Africa Community. Competing countries include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia. The format involves 4 rounds of golf with singles on the first day, foursomes, and four ball better ball on the second day and singles again on the last day. Each country has eight players.

Results:

Kenya 19.5

Tanzania 17

Uganda 14

Rwanda 10.5

Ethiopia 5.5

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