Members of the Muthaiga team celebrate after winning last year’s Tannahill Shield at Royal.

By DONALD WELLINGTON

Golfers have a busy weekend as the 2013 edition of annual Tannahill Easter Tournament tees off at its traditional home –Royal Nairobi Golf Club- tomorrow.

With a new injection of sponsorship by Dasani, the organizers promise to have an even more vibrant and exciting Easter golfing treat for both players and spectators.
Royal captain, Jack Okuku, said: “With the ever growing stature of the event coupled with unique traditions and the increased impetus from the title sponsors (Dasani), we promise more exciting times both on and off the course.”

“We invite all golfers and spectators to come support their respective teams as they play for the Tannahill Shield 2013,” he said.

Coca-Cola, through the Dasani brand came on board as the title sponsors of the event with sponsorship package of Sh2.1 million.

Peter Njonjo, Coca-Cola General Manager for East Africa, reiterated their commitment towards the event.
“We are proud to be associated with Tannahill shield, Kenya’s most recognized amateur golf tournament,” said Njonjo during the launch of the event.

“I would like to wish all the participating players and teams all the very best in the Tannahill contest,” he added.

Tannahill Shield was inaugurated in February 1924 traditionally known as the “Easter Tournament”.

Amateur Players from selected clubs congregate in Nairobi to play for the Silver Shield – famously referred to as the Tannahill Shield since when it was presented by Mrs. Tannahill.

This was in recognition of the contribution made to the Royal Nairobi Golf Club by her late husband – Arthur Tannahil.

The Royal Nairobi golf Club has been the traditional home of the event.  Since its inception, participation is by the invitation of the Royal Nairobi Golf Club General Committee.

In initial years, five clubs (Kiambu, Mombasa, Muthaiga, Nakuru and Nyeri) were invited to send teams comprising eight members.

The number has since increased to nine clubs and the original format of foursomes match is still at play.

The participating teams in this year’s event are Windsor, Mombasa, Karen, Sigona, Western, Limuru, Muthaiga, Railways and the Host Club Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

The organizing committee has resisted many attempts over the years to convert it to a Ryder Cup style of singles, pairs and foursomes.

Taking a look at the past winners of the Tannahill Easter Tournament, in the early years Nairobi was virtually unbeatable, winning or tying in most events from 1924 to 1936.

Since the turn of the millennium, Muthaiga Golf Club has dominated the pole position – winning eight out of the past 10 events.

Dasani is the official sponsor of the Royal Nairobi Golf Club Team which comprises of: Jay Sandhu, Bo Ciera, Josiah Kogo, Eric Ooko Obura, Jatinder Thethy (captain), Jasseet Syan, Jonathan Chebukati, Quaram Bhatti, Joshua Ichangi and Peter Muigai Mburu.

Born in 1995 and playing off handicap eight, 17 year old Peter Muigai Mburu is the youngest player at the event. bracelet pandora bracelet pandora

Richard Hechle, the MD Finlays Kenya putts during the Finlays Golf Day at Karen Club.

By DONALD WELLINGTON

A second nine score of 20 stableford points was enough for Allan Gachukia to beat Paul Gondi on countback and emerge the winner of this year’s Finlays Golf Day at the par 72 Karen Golf and Country Club on Friday.

Gachukia playing off handicap 15 managed a total of 39 points, picking 19 points in the first nine to beat a field of 80 participants and rule the day.

Gondi playing off handicap 22, started the first nine well with 21 points, but tumbled in the back nine where he managed 18 points to settle for the runner-up position also on 39 points.

David Mousley playing off handicap 14 followed the top two closely, trailing them by a single shot to finish third on 38 points (21, 18).

Handicap 20 Wambui Danner won the guest prize on 33 stableford points (16, 17). She also won the nearest to pin ladies’ prize, while Robin Kungu had the best first nine and Rupinder Soin had the best second nine score.

Kingori Kariuki won the nearest to the pin men’s prize, while Peter Kinuthia had the men’s longest drive and Alexandria Pike had the ladies longest drive.

Simon Hutchison playing off handicap 15 emerged as the staff winner on 30 points (14, 16) and the winning team at the daylong tournament was made up of Hutchison, handicap 14 Brian De’Souza, handicap 15 Ollie Gray and handicap 24 who managed a joint score of 31 points.

Finlays is one of the largest growers and exporters of flowers, fresh produce and tea in the country.

Speaking during the prize giving ceremony, Ron Mathison, Finlays Managing Director based in United Kingdom promised to hold similar corporate tournaments annually.

He said: “We want our guests to enjoy golf, but more importantly we want them to have fun and interact with each other in a very relaxed and informal setting, it was a good afternoon.” nike huarache pas cher nike huarache pas cher