WINNER'S SMILE: Francis Makanga poses with the winner's prize after reigning supreme at the Citi Bank Golf Day at Karen Country Club.

By CORRESPONDENT

Francis Makanga posted a massive 40 points to emerge the winner of the Citibank Corporate Golf Day at the Karen Country Club on Friday. Makanga, playing off a handicap of 22 posted a score of 19 stable ford points on the outward nine and a fiery score of 21 points on the inward nine to lead the field of 110 players.

Makanga had a shaky start to his round, posting bogeys on his first three holes, before making a Par save on the challenging par-four fourth. He went on to bogey the uphill par-3fifth and lost his tee shot right on the  long par-4 sixth, dropping two shots as a result. Pars on the 10th, 14th, 15th and 16th holes gave the champion the boost he needed on the inward nine and although he finished poorly, victory was his.

Speaking after his round Makanga said this was his best round in many years. “I am quite thrilled to be the winner of the Citibank Corporate Golf day and I am happy I signed up for this tournament,” Makanga said. “I would like to thank Citibank for everything they have done to make this tournament a resounding success,” he added. Speaking at the same ceremony, Citibank’s  CEO Daniel Connelly thanked the golfers for attending the event.  “This was our first golf day here in Kenya and we are thankful that many of our corporate clients joined us, either on the golf course or at the cocktail party,” Connelly said. “Citibank continues to serve the corporate fraternity in Kenya and this golf day was intended to take our interactions away from the formal office settings to this great informal and relaxed setting that golf offers.”

Connelly was the staff winner beating 11 other Citibankers who participated. “I don’t get to play as much as I would like, but today my swing was fantastic and I am happy I beat fellow colleagues from Citi.” Connelly posted 16 points on the first nine and 21 points on the second nine for an impressive score of 37 stableford points. Moses Kiboi was the staff runner up with 31 points beating his colleague Nick Kamere on count back.

Karen’s Irungu Wanyoike finished second to Makanga on 39 points beating veteran Karen golfer Henry Maina on count back. The  Honorable Samuel Poghisio finished fourth with 38 points. The lady winner was Jacinta Wambugu with 34 points.

The nines went to Rose Musau on 22 points and Muchemi Wambugu on 22 points.  Raphael Nzolo was the men’s nearest to the pin winner whilst  lady golfer Salma Mazrui was the ladies winner in the same category. The longest drive for ladies went to Susan Kasinga whilst Karen’s Tom Mulwa was the longest among the men. joyas de pandora joyas de pandora

By JAMES WAINDI

Alfred Kariuki is the new Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairman replacing outgoing Mwaniki Gachoka after the Union held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday at the Muthaiga Golf Club.

Kariuki said he had a big challenge of filling the shoes of the outgoing chairman, but vowed to work tirelessly ensure the development of the sport countrywide with the development of junior golfers his first priority.

“My friend Joe Kihanya is the one who advised me to join the Union some time back and I am now the chairman, I think he is the main reason why I am now the chairman of the Union,” said Kariuki.

He added: “Outgoing chairman Mwaniki Gachoka gave us a very good leadership and I want to emulate him or even be better to ensure prosperity. He provided a conducive environment for people to share ideas and delegated, I will also embrace consultation and dialogue.”

Gachoka urged golfers to spread the game to their homes and encourage their kids to take up the sport at an early age to create a new generation that would replace the aging golfers.

He noted: “I want to thank all the captains who gave me a lot of support and worked with me with a lot of harmony. I worked hard for the Union that I even slumped in my golf, going from handicap 9 to handicap 14, I believe now I will be able to return to my best.”

During Gachoka’s time, Kenya won the East Africa Challenge and finished third at the Africa Zone VI event.

2012 KGU Officials

Chairman- Alfred Kariuki

Vice Chairman- Francis Okwara

Honorable Treasurer- Richard Wanjallah

Honorable Secretary- Peter Warui

Executives- Anthony Muhoro

                     -Stephen M. Githaka

                     -G. K. Mungai

                     -Ndiga Kithae

                     -Anthony Gacheru

Manager- Jesse Mungai air max blancas air max blancas