Mumias based pro Dismas Indiza lines a putt at a past tournament. He is the joint leader with Hezbon Kutwa after the first round of the Kenya @50 golf tournament at Muthaiga Golf Club.

By FIDEL ONO

The Kenya at 50 Golf Festival, presented by Toyota started today with the 36-hole competition of golf professionals, playing for Sh150, 000.

Leading the 22-strong field in tied first place is Royal’s Hesbon Kutwa and Mumias’ Dismas Indiza on level par-71.

Five players are two shots behind –  Muthaiga’s Anil Shah and Brian Njoroge, Royal’s Ken Abuto, Limuru’s James Karanja and Thika’s Njuguna Ngugi on two-over 73.

In 8th place, three shots behind the leaders are Nelson Mundayi, David Waku and Frank Matilo. The second round will be played in both the morning and afternoon tomorrow (Tuesday, 10 December).

The 54-hole event for amateurs begins on Thursday morning – over three days – 18 holes per day.  There will be two divisions, according to handicap for both men and women.  Handicap 0-18 and 19 and over for men, whilst the women will play in the Silver and Bronze divisions.

Prizes will be awarded to the Overall winner, division winner – both men and women up to third place; Best Gross men and ladies, and Best 18 for both men and women, gross winner for men and women, as well as nearest the pin and longest drive for each of the three days. Aside from the golf, the festival includes a Welcome Cocktail Party on Thursday 12 December, followed by a unique inter-golf club Koroga Challenge on Friday 13^th December.   The festival will conclude with a Gala Dinner, Dance and Prize giving on Saturday 14^th December.

Kenya at 50 Golf Festival Leader board:

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Staff winner Laban Omangi who is also the Barclays Bank Compliance East and West Africa reacts after teeing off at the 10th leg of the Circuit in Nyeri on Saturday.

By FIDEL ONO

Anjelo Nderi resisted stiff challenge to beat a field of 75 players and emerge the overall winner of the 10^th leg of Barclays Golf Circuit played at the par 72 Nyeri Golf Club on Saturday.

The home player playing off handicap 10 posted 40 stableford points to snatch a narrow win in the day long competition, beating his closest opponents by a single shot. He posted 18 stableford points in the first nine before he concluded with an impressive 22 stableford points in the back nine for a total of 40.

The feat will see Nderi lead a team of eight qualifiers to the competition’s grand finale slated for February at the Karen Golf and Country Club.

D. K. Inoti playing off handicap 15 settled for the runner-up position after beating handicap 12 Patrick Maina on count back. Inoti garnered 39 points after posting 19 points in the front nine and 20 points in the back nine.

Maina finished third on 39 points after scoring 20 points in the first nine and 19 points in the back nine.

Stella Mwangi playing off handicap seven emerged the lady winner on 34 points made up of scores of 19 and 15 points in each nines and she was followed by handicap 24 Mercy Mburu in the runner-up position on 29 points (15, 14).

Godwin Karuga playing off handicap 11 won the guest prize after posting 29 points (16, 13) and handcap 24 Jackie Hinga was the guest runner-up on 28 points (13, 15).

Nyeri Club captain Joe Githinga won the men straightest drive prize as Florence Gatho won the ladies similar prize.

Barclays Bank’s Head of Compliance East and West Africa Laban Omangi playing off handicap 21 emerged the staff winner on 29 points (12, 17), while Father Wangai won the men nearest to the pin and Lucy Njuguna won the ladies nearest to the pin.

Speaking during the prize giving, Omangi, lauded the players’ turnout at the event and praised the quality of the course. The qualifier attracted players from the home club and Nanyuki Golf Club, but players from Nyahururu failed to turn up.

The overall winner during the grand finale will land a fully paid golfing tour on the expansive golf courses in South Africa, while the top 20 at the finale will get slots to play at next year’s Barclays Kenya Open Golf Pro Am.

“The pro-am is a dream for any amateur golfer where they get an opportunity to play with mainly top European professionals that grace the Barclays Kenya Open. Courtesy of Barclays hospitality, they will also get season tickets and VIP guest passes to the Barclays Hospitality tent at the Barclays Kenya Open,” Omangi said.

The next leg of the competition will be held at Royal Nairobi Golf Club on December 14.

Nyeri qualifiers: Anjelo Nderi, B.K. Inoti, Patrick Maina, Kimani Bow, Hon James Mathenge, Dickson Mwangi; Reserve: Father Michael. Nanyuki qualifiers: Stella Mwangi, Mwangi Gathu; Reserve: Richard Kabugi. nike air max cheap wholesale nike air max cheap wholesale