CHAMPION: David Opati in action during a recent golf event at the Railway Golf Club. He will be crowned the 2012 GOTY Champions after this weekend’s Nyali Open.

By JAMES WAINDI (Chief Editor)

Golf Park’s David Opati plans to be crowned this year’s Golfer of The Year (GOTY) in style, with a win at the season ending Nyali Open on December 15 and 16 at the par 71 Nyali Golf and Country Club.

The national golf team captain already has his hands on the title before the last tournament, given that his closest opponent, Nelson Simwa cannot match his score of 102.10 points, even if Opati sat out of the final event.

Simwa follows him 76.75, more than 25 points, but Opati insists that the final event despite being a formality for him, he was going for nothing less than a win.

He opened up the gap in the last two tournaments, where he won the Manchester Salver in Eldoret and Simwa failed to pick any points. At the Uhuru shield, Simwa could also not pick any points, as Opati widened the gap.

“I want to be crowned the champion in style with a win at Nyali Open. I know I already have the GOTY title in the bag but I would not be taking things for granted and I will be seeking to win the final tournament,” said Opati.

He added: “There three events in the GOTY tournament that I have never won in my golfing career, which are the Muthaiga Open, Winstone Churchill and Nyali Open and I would be happy if I won the Nyali Open.”

Last year Opati finished fourth at the Nyali Open and believes this is the year to break the jinx. huarache femme huarache femme

Alfred Kariuki, Kenya Golf Union Chairman, gets out of the bunker during the Barclays Golf Circuit held at Kiambu Golf Club.

By CORRESPONDENT

Home player Joyce Wanjiru posted a blazing 40 stableford points to emerge the undisputed winner in the Barclays Golf Circuit series that teed off last weekend Saturday 8^th December 2012 in Kiambu.

Wanjiru, who earned herself qualification to the grand finale of the Barclays Golf Circuit slated for 2^nd February 2013 at Karen Country Golf Club, beat a field of 126 golfers at the par 72 Kiambu Golf Club course by scoring 40 points to claim the top prize.  Playing off handicap 11, the long hitter Wanjiru garnered impressive identical rounds of 20 in the first and second nines to emerge the overall winner.

John Mundia playing off handicap 27, also posted identical 20 points on the front and back nines totaling to 40 stroke points but lost on count back to Wanjiru to finish second.   Handicap 15 Charles Nduati also posted 40 stableford points but lost on count back to Mundia to claim the third position. Mr. Nduati was however contented with his performance as he also took home the Nearest to the Pin prize.

While speaking at the day’s prize giving event, Barclays Bank of Kenya Acting Consumer Banking Director Edgar Kalya thanked the golfers for participating in the tourney which he highlighted is primarily aimed at developing golfing skills in the country. Mr Kalya also applauded the golfers for their support in raising financial resources that will go towards supporting charitable causes that promote socio-economic empowerment and development through enterprise skills, financial literacy and life skills. He noted that the Bank in partnership with the Kenya Golf Union will continue to commit to such noble causes that resonate with the Bank’s corporate social investment strategy.

George Muiruri emerged fourth playing off handicap 12, recording a total of 38 points followed closely by George Kuria who claimed the firth position playing off handicap 19 registering 37 stroke points.

Fernando Wangila of Golf Park emerged the Guest Winner playing off 23, posting a total of 40 nett whereas Samuel Karanja grabbed the Junior prize with handicap 23, scoring 14 points in the first nine and 24 points in the second nine. Edgar Kalya scooped the staff prize playing handicap 5 posting 13 points in the first nine and 9 points in the second nine to earn a total of 22points.

Daniel Njenga claimed the Longest Drive Men prize and Jane Njoroge grabbed the Longest Drive Lady prize. Other qualifiers to the grand finale include Joseph Ndegwa,  John Ngure  both recording 37 points , Gladys Athiru, Bernard Wainana and Kariuki Kinuthia who garnered 36 points each.

The top 20 winners at the Circuit’s finale will earn slots to play in the Barclays Kenya Open Pro Am 2013. The Pro Am is a dream for any amateur as they get an opportunity to play with top European professionals who grace the Barclays Kenya Open. Winners will also get season tickets and VIP passes to the Barclays Hospitality tent at the 2013 Barclays Kenya Open.

The series heads to Nairobi Royal Golf Club this coming weekend. bracelet pandora charms bracelet pandora charms