Royal Nairobi Golf Club captain Jack Okuku (left), Barclays Head of Consumer Banking Zahid Mustafa and Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairman Franck Okwara during the Barclays Golf Circuit launch today at Royal Club.

By DONALD WELLINGTON

The second edition of the Barclays Golf Circuit will tee off at the par 72 Limuru Golf and Country Club on Saturday before moving to 13 more clubs then conclude with a grand finale at Karen on February 22, 2014.

The circuit was launched today at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, where organisers said this year’s edition was aimed at supporting the development of golf in the country as well as build momentum towards the 2014 Barclays Kenya Open.

A total of 25 clubs have confirmed participation in the circuit that is expected to attract more than 3, 000 golfers and will visit all parts of the country.

Last year’s grand finale winner Tanvin Khan from Sigona Golf Club will be keen to defend his title this year and has entered for the opening round in Limuru where he will battle it out with more than 100 players for the limited qualifying slots.

Speaking at today’s launch, Barclays Head of Consumer Banking Zahid Mustafa said: “The Barclays Golf Circuit is a tournament that we hold dear as Barclays, not only because of the brand association but also the role that this tournament has played in nurturing golf talent in the country. This was evident from the exemplary performance of last editions Barclays circuit finalists during the premier Barclays Kenya Open tournament.”

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,” said Mustafa.

Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairman Frank Okwara said: “As a union we are proud to be associated with the Barclays Golf Circuit because it is a tourney that provides a platform for our golfers to not only compete and network with their industry peers but also ensure that they are involved in supporting worthy causes in our communities.”

The circuit will this year be held in Limuru, Eldoret, Vet Lab, Sigona, Nyeri, Machakos, Nakuru, Nyanza, Thika, Royal, Nyali, Windsor, Muthaiga and Karen.

Barclays Golf Circuit calendar:

1. Limuru Golf Club- Participating clubs (Limuru and Kiambu)-July 27

2. Eldoret Golf Club- Participating clubs (Eldoret, Nandi Bears, Kitale)- August 10
3. Nakuru Golf Club- Participating clubs (Nakuru, Njoro, Naivasha and Great Rift Valley Lodge).- August 24
4. Machakos Golf Club- Participating clubs (Machakos and KAF)- September 7
5. Nyanza Golf Club- Participating clubs (Nyanza, Kericho, Kakamega and Mumias)- September 28
6. Thika Golf Club- Participating clubs (Thika and Ruiru)- October 12
7. Sigona Golf Club- October 26
8. Nyali Golf Club- Participating clubs (Mombasa, Malindi, Vipingo Ridge, Leisure Lodge and Watamu Bay)- November 9
9. Windsor Golf CC- (CEO CSR)- November 23
10. Nyeri Golf Club- Participating clubs (Nyeri, Nanyuki, Nyahururu)- November 30
11. Royal Nairobi GC- December 14
12. Karen Country Club- Participating clubs (Karen and Railway)-January 14
13. Vetlab Golf Club- Participating clubs (Vet Lab and Golf Park)- January 25
14. Muthaiga Golf Club- February 8
15. Grand Finale-Karen CC- February 22

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Mombasa Golf Captain Sylvester Odhiambo poses a photo during a past interview.

By FIDEL ONO

Preparations for this year’s Coast Open Golf Championships are complete with the tournament organisers expecting more than 120 participants for the 36-hole competition to be played at the nine hole par 71 Mombasa Golf Club on July 27 and 28.

According to the club captain Sylvester Odhiambo, the tournament which will also act as a Golfer Of The Year (GOTY) tournament, had also attracted players from neighbours Tanzania and Rwanda.

“The course is currently in a great form and the players will enjoy playing at this year’s Coast Open championship. We are currently working on the greens, trying to make them more fast before the tournament tees off,” said Odhiambo.

He added:” The rough is playable, but the course is tight and the winds are very strong. Long hitters will have a slight advantage.”

The competition guarantees fireworks, going by the recent action witnessed at Goty events, the latest being the Kenya Amateur Matchplay championships at Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

Limuru’s John Karichu currently enjoys a 10 point lead at the log before the Coast Open, with Golf Park’s Tony Omuli breathing on his neck.

Kericho’s William Odera is third on the log, while Justus Madoya of Great Rift Valley Lodge is fourth and a resurgent Nelson Simwa of Vet Lab who had a false start in the competition has managed to leap to fifth position and will be among the hot favourites at the tournament.

Odhiambo said the two day event had been sponsored by Crown Paints and Keringet. huarache pas cher huarache pas cher