By FIDEL ONO

Kirumba Mukuria resisted stiff challenge to beat a large field of 237 players and emerge the overall winner of the Barclays Golf Circuit first qualifier at the par 71 Limuru Golf and Country Club on Saturday.

Mukuria playing off handicap 16 posted 42 stableford points to rule the roost and lead five qualifiers to the coveted grand finale slated for Karen Club in February.

“My game just clicked today. I had a very good round, my swing was good and I placed all my golf balls on the fairway,” said Mukuria.

He added: “In the first nine I had seven pars and dropped two bogeys and clearly knew I could make it if I played well in the second nine. I am happy with the win and I am not going to rest on my laurels, because I want to be in a better form come the grand finale in February.”

Peter Mwaura playing off handicap 16 needed a second nine score of 21 stableford points to beat handicap three Simon Mwangi on countback and settle for the runner-up position on a total of 41 points after he had played 20 points in the first nine.

Mwangi settled for the third position on 41 points (21, 20), while handicap 17 Vincent Wangombe finished fourth on 39 points, thanks to back-to-back countback wins over handicap 7 T. Kariuki, handicap 21 Harish Mediratta and J. K. Muchai who plays off handicap 17.

The players who qualified for the finale from the day long tournament in Limuru include Kirumba Mukuria, Peter Mwaura, Simon Mwangi, Vincent Wangombe and Timonthy Kariuki. Harish Mediratta will be the reserve.

Jeniffer Murigu playing off handicap 18 won the lady prize on 34 points, beating handicap 24 Stella Gathanga by a single point. Gathanga was the lady runner-up.

Thika’s Ndiga Kithae playing off handicap 11 won the guest prize on a score of 37 stableford points, while handicap 21 Elizabeth King’ori was the runner up in the guest category on 35 points.

Barclays Consumer Banking director Zahid Mustapha playing off handicap 24 posted the best score of the day but could only walk home with the staff prize after posting 43 points. He was followed by handicap 21 L.Omangi who is the Barclays Head of Service in premier banking on 34 points.

Stanley Kariuki won the men nearest to the pin prize, while the lady nearest to the pin prize went to Wairimu Gakuo.

The winning team at the tournament made up of former Limuru captain Lucas Maranga, A Wangari, R. Onyango and Zahid Mustapha posted a joint score of 37 points.

“Personally I have been impressed by the hospitality at Limuru and I am satisfied that we made the right choice to choice Limuru as the first venue for this year’s Barclays Golf Circuit. I am a member of Muthaiga Golf Club, but I have found playing in Limuru more fan,” said Mustafa.

He added: “The Barclays Golf Circuit is a tournament that we hold dear as Barclays, not only because of the brand association but also the role that this tournament has played in nurturing golf talent in the country. This was evident from the exemplary performance of last editions Barclays circuit finalists during the premier Barclays Kenya Open tournament.”

The overall winner during the grand finale will land a fully paid golfing tour on the expansive golf courses in South Africa, while the top 20 at the finale will get slots to play at next year’s Barclays Kenya Open Golf Pro Am.

“The pro-am is a dream for any amateur golfer where they get an opportunity to play with mainly top European professionals that grace the Barclays Kenya Open. Courtesy of Barclays hospitality, they will also get season tickets and VIP guest passes to the Barclays Hospitality tent at the Barclays Kenya Open,” Mustafa said.

Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairman Frank Okwara said: “As a union we are proud to be associated with the Barclays Golf Circuit because it is a tourney that provides a platform for our golfers to not only compete and network with their industry peers but also ensure that they are involved in supporting worthy causes in our communities.”

From Limuru, the circuit moves to Eldoret on August 10 where member of Kitale and Nandi Bears will be brought together. golden goose pas cher golden goose pas cher

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