From Left Hon. Treasurer-Karugu Macharia, Chairman-Philip Ochola, Vice Chairman-David Ndung’u and Hon

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The Kenya Golf Union (KGU) has announced the start of the exciting international pairs in the country during the launch held at Muthaiga Golf Club on Thursday, 6^th July 2023. The KGU Vice Chairman and Tournament Director-Mr. David Ndung’u made the announcement while flanked by the KGU Chairman-Philip Ochola, Hon. Treasurer- Karugu Macharia and Hon. Secretary-Chris Kinuthia. Also present during the launch was the Executive Board Member- Sammy Itemeere. This is the fourth edition of the series having being held in the years 2019, 2021 and 2022 with a break in 2020 due to the Corona Pandemic.

“The first event in 2023 will be held this Saturday, 8^th July 2023 at Muthaiga Golf Club and 75 pairs have already registered to play. This will be followed by Nyahururu Sports Club (15^th July), Kericho Golf Club (22^nd July), Great Rift Valley Golf Resort (29^th July), Nyali Golf & Country Club (5^th August), Nakuru Golf Club (12^th August), VetLab Sports Club (26^th August). The Grand Finale will be on 1^st September 2023 at a venue to be announced and the world finals are set for the 6^th to 10^th November at the Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort and Bom Sucesso Resort, Portugal.” The Vice Chairman said. He further urged all golfers who are 18 years and above and have a valid WHS handicap index to register and participate in any of the qualifier events. Mixed pairs are also allowed and the entry fee is Ksh. 3000 per person (Ksh. 6000 per pair).

As a norm, the series is played in a four-ball better-ball format (Stable ford) with a handicap allowance of 85% of the Course Handicap. Several qualifiers are organized in different clubs across the country and in each qualifier, the top 5 pairs wins’ prizes and earn a spot in the Grand Finale. The top three winning pairs in the Grand Finale qualify to play at the World Finals with all the expenses paid for. Since the start of the series in 2019, 7 pairs have participated in the fully paid trip to the World Grand Finale. Mike Karanga & Steve Kiaro, James Kamenchu & Anthony Murage and Bhamra Bilu & Romy Sandhu participated in the finals in 2019 at Penina Golf Resort, Portugal. In 2022, Saawan Shah & Jay Varia, Chand Shah & Kush Shah, Julius Rono & Eric Mutai and Steve Kiaro & David Gitao participated in the finals at La Cala Golf Resort, Spain. The pair of Chand Shah & Kush Shah finished as runner ups in the World Finals just one point from the winners from Namibia-Johannes Damon and Hylton Villet.

The International Pairs is the World’s Largest Golf Tournament. Local, regional and national tournaments are organized and promoted by licensed partners around the globe. The top national teams represent their country or territory at the World Final for the chance to be crowned World Champions. More than 1.5 million amateur golfers from over 50 countries have enjoyed competing in this exciting, friendly and hugely prestigious event. The objective of the series is to create a fun and competitive challenge to the general, weekend golfer and to generate revenues to support growth of Elite Golf including but not limited to, training, exposure opportunities and provision of golfing equipment.

Division A category winner Betty Gacheru receives her award from IMG Kenya CEO Peter Gacheru during the Ninth Ladies Medal Tournament at Karen.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Karen Country Club’s Betty Gacheru carded a score of 71 nett to claim victory in the Division A event of her home Club’s ninth Ladies Medal tournament which was held on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

She finished one better than Jacintah Wambugu, who secured second spot in the Division having carded a round of 72 nett. Jacintah’s efforts were enough to edge out Shirley Scroggie who finished third in the group with a round of 73 nett after countback.

In Division B, Evelyne Otsyula emerged the winner having carded a round of 68 nett to finish four better than Ann Mbogori, who secured second position, with a score of 72 nett. Ann’s efforts saw her finish above Susan Kasinga, who carded a round 73 nett to clinch third position.

In Division C, Eve Mwangi emerged triumphant with a remarkable 39 nett.

In the Nines challenge, Rose Mambo and Wahu Nyairo delivered exceptional performances, scoring 32 and 33 nett on the first and second nine holes, respectively.

In the putting challenge, Louisa Gitau claimed victory having holed the ball in just 28 putts.

Meanwhile, Rhoda Mwebesa emerged the gross winner having carded a score of 89 gross after countback.

The ladies-only event, which was sponsored by Integrated Marketing and Communications Agency IMG Kenya Limited, attracted 52 female golfers from the club. The event was the ninth of twelve Karen Country Club’s ladies’ events for the year.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, IMG Kenya CEO Peter Gacheru said:

“We are proud to have sponsored the Karen Country Club’s ninth Ladies Medal tournament. Golf represents more than just a sport to us at IMG Kenya; it is a platform that allows us as a company to interact with our stakeholders and forge valuable partnerships,” he said.

“By supporting this event, we aim to promote and celebrate the incredible talent and achievements of female golfers that this golf club is blessed with. We believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, and this tournament serves as a great platform to showcase that commitment. We are honored to be a part of these ladies’ journey and look forward to witnessing their continued success on and off the course,” he added.