Kenya Golf Union chairman Muchau Githiaka, Barclays Bank MD Jeremy Awori, Kenya Open Golf Limited chairman Peter Kanyago, tournament director Patrick Obath and Paul Carrigill from the European Challenge Tour Director.

By DANIELLA APIYO

Kenya Open Golf Championships will be making a return to it’s initial home Muthaiga Golf Club after five years and it will be held between March 23 and 26, 2017.

According to Muthaiga Golf Club chairman Kairu Bachia, the modern 18-hole course has undergone tremendous upgrading that befits the status of a championship golf course.

“Over the last five years when the Open was held at Karen Golf and Country Club, the management at Muthaiga has invested heavily to make sure that the club upholds its prominence as the finest course with the fastest greens in East Africa that offers a great ambiance with numerous lakes and ponds to participants’” said Bachia today.

Kairu futher pointed out facelift of greens number 3,5,11 and 17, purchasing of equipment’s and improved security within and beyond the course as compared to its previous status five years ago when it last hosted the event.

Peter-Kanyago-Chairman-Kenya-Open-Golf-Limited (left) Jeremy-Awori-MD-Barclays-Bank-and-Muchau-Githiaka-Chairman-Kenya-Golf-Union.

The event in its 49^th edition will see a participation of 156 golfers drawn across the globe battling for the top prize of sh 3.5 million with a record attendance of over 10,000 spectators. Kenya is set to be represented by its traditional number of 26 players; 22 pros and 4 amateurs currently undergoing training at Muthaiga in preparation for the event to present a more competitive team this time round.

Meanwhile Kenya open title sponsors Barclays Bank of Kenya have announced next year’s sponsorship to the tune of sh 50 million which makes it the title sponsors for the seventh year running.

Speaking during the same event Barclays Bank of Kenya Managing Director Jeremy Awori said sponsorship is an illustration of their commitment an and dedication to the growth and development of golf in the country.

Preparations for the 2017 event are in top gear with organizers expecting an increase in attendance due to a number of factors that also includes ease of accessibility to the venue. cheap nike air max 90 online cheap nike air max 90 online

Simon Mbugua (right) during the prize giving ceremony.

By DANIELLA APIYO

Heading a field of 270 golfers, handicap 12 Stephen Mbugua registered a close fought win in the Total Excellium Tournament at Muthaiga after carding 38 Stableford points. The result was decided by a three way count back with Joseph Kagigite and Shaun Sequeira. Kagigite had the satisfaction of capturing the men winner prize.

36 handicap Rose Githu registered 38 Stableford points to take home the lady winner Award. Playing off 17 Veena Sennik was the lady runner-up on 36 points. The staff winner was Martin Mutuma with 35 points to earn a cut in his handicap from 13 to 12.

Prior to presenting the top prizes, Ms. Anne Solange-Renouard, the Managing Director of Total Kenya Limited, said the competition marked a long association with the Muthaiga Golf Club and complimented the organisers for the efficient handling of 270 competitors. The tournament celebrated the introduction of Excellium petrol and diesel fuels which clean engines to achieve greater economy and less pollution.

In a post prize giving interview, Stephen Mbugua, said, “Recent rain has greatly improved the fairways leaving the greens in good condition. Like most of the participants, I found the pin positions difficult, but I succeeded in earning birdies on the fourth, 15^th and 17^th holes and my card listed five pars.”

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