SIGONA TAKES EARLY LEAD AT TANNAHILL GOLF EVENT
Royal Club’s Q Bhatti follows his tee shot during this year’s Tannahill Golf tournament at the Royal Club.
By DONALD WELLINGTON
Reigning Tannahill champions Muthaiga Golf Club had a false start at this year’s tournament after they ended the first day of the competition tied fifth on eight points, five points shy of leaders Sigona Golf Club at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club.
Muthaiga has been dominating the tournament for the last eight years and it would be interesting to see if their dominance would be brought to a halt at this year’s tournament.
Sigona were on top of the board on 13 points, followed by Limuru Golf and Country Club and Western who were tied in the second spot on 11 points and Karen Country Club was fourth on nine points.
Railways golf club who are making a comeback into the competition after being relegated two years ago tied in the fifth position with defending champions Muthaiga and Mombasa Golf Club on eight points.
Windsor and hosts Royal who were pre tournament favourites tied in the bottom position on two points apiece.
Sigona being represented by Anand Chandarana, Mohit Mediratta, John Ndichu, Deep Shah, Michael Njoroge, paul Kaguamba, George Mwaura and Kabir Choda beat Royal 8-0. Sigona also beat Karen 5-3, while Karen beat Royal 6-2 and Railways tied with Mombasa 4-4.
Champions Muthaiga who are being represented by former rugby player Evans Vitisia, Junior Golf Foundation chairman Ashwin Gidoomal, Kumar Dhall, B. Chandaria, T. Sodi, R. Bhavra, M. Mbuthia, and A. Chandaria tied with Mombasa 4-4 as well as Railways 4-4.
Western Kenya beat Windsor Golf and Country Club 7-1, Limuru also beat Windsor 7-1 and Western Kenya tied with Limuru 4-4.
Action for the second day was expected to tee off at 12pm with the match between rivals Royal and Muthaiga being the most waited for.
Jack Okuku the captain for Nairobi Royal Golf club expressed disappointment towards the host team’s first day poor showing.
The good showing by Western and Mombasa was attributed to a good outing by their junior teams which pushed the scores to a respectable position. Nairobi Royal Club’s Peter Muigai was one of the best juniors for the first day.
Okuku said: “Every team has brought their best players and anything is possible in second and final day. Day two will had two rounds.
A sizable and colorful spectator presence graced the event, with each team having their passionate supporters following them.
Title sponsor Dasani ensured that players and fans were well hydrate. officielgoldengoose officielgoldengoose