Francis Kioni (centre) is awarded after winning the DTB “Bank with Us” Golf Tournament at Nakuru Golf Club.

By AMANDA DAMARIS AND DANIELLA APIYO

The Nakuru-based player Francis Kioni led from the front to win the third leg of the DTB “Bank with Us” Golf Tournament held at the scenic par 73 Nakuru Golf Club, in Nakuru County.

Playing off handicap 15, the home player overcame chilly morning weather and tough course conditions to beat his closest challenger Patrick Mutinda on the countback to claim the overall title courtesy of an impressive 38 points. He carded 16 points on the front nine and 22 on the back nine.

“I had an amazing time on the course despite the tough condition of the course, especially on the back nine where I managed to achieve 2 birdies and several pars to claim the victory. It was refreshing to win against such a large field. I commend DTB for their good work and for ensuring this event was successful. I look forward to participating in many more of their upcoming tournaments,” said Francis Kioni

In the Ladies’ category, taking the top spot was the club’s Lady Captain, Linda Munyao, who posted 36 points, ahead of Ann Nduati with 33 points. The Gross category title was claimed by Joh Mburu, playing off a handicap of 7, after posting 31 points, with 13 points on the front nine and 18 points on the back nine.

Posting the best first nine score was Anne Nduati on 20 points, while the best second nine award was claimed by Dr. Amos Otara on 21 points. In the subsidiary section, the DTB staff winner title was claimed by Dr. Kennedy Nyakomitta with the Guest award going to Njoro-based player after garnering 34 points.

The award for the longest drive in the men and women categories went to John Mbagi and Susan Ikua respectively. The nearest to the pin award went to Stephen Kihumba.

Meanwhile, in the Junior category, Victor Sila of Nakuru carded a total of 33 points to win the category ahead of his closest challenger M. Chadha from Kericho on 31 points.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, DTB’s Director of Sales, Dr. Kennedy Nyakomitta commended Nakuru Golf Club’s leadership for allowing them to host their third leg at the venue, which gave them an opportunity to interact and connect with their customers from the region.

“We at DTB greatly value the Nakuru Golf Club. I would like to express my gratitude to its leadership for graciously hosting us. The tournament has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to engage and connect with our customers, both from Nakuru and other parts of the Rift Valley region. We commit to collaborate closely for the advancement and growth of the golf game in Kenya,” said Dr. Nyakomitta.

The weekend’s competition was this year’s third DTB “Bank with Us” golf tournament after the Bank successfully held the second leg three weeks ago in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.

The third leg of the DTB ‘Bank with Us’ Golf Tournament drew a total field of 155 golfers from the region and its environs, including Naivasha, Kericho, Njoro, Eldoret, Nandi, Kitale, and as far as Nairobi, Kiambu, Thika, Kisumu, Kisii, and Kakamega.

The DTB “Bank with Us” golf tournament aims to grow the sport as well as boost businesses by bringing services closer to customers and offering them great networking opportunities.

Vipingo Ridge-based Naomi Wafula at a past event

By AMANDA DAMARIS AND DANIELLA APIYO

A large field of 150 golfers have entered this year’s Ladies Coast Open to be held from Monday, July 31 to August 5 on various coast clubs namely Diamonds Leisure Golf Club, Mombasa Golf Club, Nyali Golf & Country Club, Malindi Golf Club, and finally at Vipingo Golf Ridge.

The Ladies Open under the umbrella of the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) together with the KLGU Coast representative Teresia Odoo are delighted with the organization of the event so far and expect a memorable tourney.

The event has been successful through the major sponsorship from Tourism Fund, Grain Bulk Handlers, KCB, Family Bank, EABL, AAR Health Care, Kericho Gold, Base Titanium, Neptune Hotels, Sarova Whitesands, Pauland, Dermazuri, Ace Plastic Surgery, KCC, Khush Motors, Soliani, Coast Values, The LAWFORD, Fahawi Investments Ltd, Nulook Links, Plaza Beach Hotel, Paradise Destinations Ltd, Sandlovers Diani Real Estate, Atlas Tea Brokers, Silent night, Akina Tea, Tudor Health Care.

According to Odoo, the week-long tournament has attracted various golfers from around the country and the East African region at large, with participants coming from Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. The event will prove a significant milestone in the history of the sport in Kenya and work to motivate the next generation of young female players throughout the country.

Most participants started arriving in the country from today for practice rounds and acclimatization and are set to depart on August 6 after the awards gala.

“We are also intending to do live scoring for the first time courtesy of KGU and KLGU.

The event will showcase Kenya as a unique golfing and holiday destination as well as elevate the country as an important player on the world’s stage, not just in terms of golf but sports in general,” Odoo told www.kenyagolfguide.co.ke.

The Coast Lady Captains who have managed to put all the event together include Cheryl Bush (Diamonds Leisure Golf Club), Fiona Mbandi (Mombasa Golf Club), Maria Mariga (Nyali Golf & Country Golf Club), Hamida Chidagaya (Malindi Golf Club), Sue Williams (Vipingo Ridge Golf Club).

Leisure Lodge Trophy defending champion Neema Olomi is expected to highlight the action, while the defending champion for Mombasa, Vipingo, and overall gross winner Naomi Wafula will also be present.

Nyali Bowl’s reigning champion Chanelle Wangari will be missing in action due to personal commitments. Other ladies to watch this year are Margaret Njoki, Allysa Jamal, Susan Stokes, Mary Kandu, Mwongeli Nzioka, Martha Bibirye, Jacky Walter, Mercy Nyanchama, Kelly Gachaga, Esther Chumo, Nancy Wanjiru.