NGIGE ENJOYS SLIM LEAD AS PGK TOUR HEADS TO ROYAL
Anil Shah follows his tee shot during a past event. He is the reigning order of merit winner.
By FIDEL ONO
Thika’s Simon Ngige carries a single point lead ahead of next week’s second leg of the KCB ProAM Golf tour to be held at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club between July 8 and 11.
According to the competition’s order of merit, C. J. Wangai of Railway Club is hot on the heels of Ngige, trailing the leader by a single point and it will be interesting to see if Ngige survives the pressure in the next round.
Royal’s Anil Shahties in third position in the order of merit on 11.5 alongside Golf Park’s David Opati, while Nyali’s Kopan Timbe, Nyanza’s David Odhiambo, Mumias’ Dismas Indiza, Royal’s Erick Oooko and Vet Lab’s Mathew Omondi all have eight points and trail the leader by six points.
According to Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) captain Kopan Timbe, the pros will play a 72 hole competition where the cut off will be placed after 36 holes and the top 20 players and ties will play the last two rounds alongside KCB staff and customers.
“The prize money for the Royal round is Ksh1million and it is expected to be full house as 98 percent of the local professionals have confirmed participation,” said Timbe.
There are five events this year and the best player will take home Ksh200, 000 from the sponsor and the best three will be sponsored to play at next year’s Kenya Open Golf Championships as well as the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.