James Kimani plays his shot off the bunker at the Limuru Country Club during the third leg of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

John Kariuki of Limuru Country Club led his team of Paul Kahura, Tony Karani, and Victor Gichuru to a score of 110 gross points, to claim the top prize at their home leg of the 2023 KCB East Africa Golf Tour, played on Saturday.

Playing off handicap one, John Kariuki carded a round of 37, with Tony Karani returning a similar score, one ahead of teammate Victor Gichuru, making up the team’s best scores, to finish four points ahead of the group of Wilfred Gathu, Nicholas Gathuru, Wallace Mwaura, and Mathu Nganga, on 106 points.

The two teams have booked their tickets to play in the tour’s grand finale to be staged at the Karen Country Club in November this year.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, National Bank of Kenya Managing Director, George Odhiambo said, “Today marks the third leg of our 2023 KCB East Africa Golf Tour, after successful events at the Vet Lab Sports and Eldoret Golf Clubs. On behalf of KCB Group, we’d like to thank you all for honouring our invite and making this leg a success.”

“Through this series, we reiterate our support towards the growth of golf in the country, especially through our ladies and junior clinics, which we will host at every club we visit.” He added.

Commenting on his team’s win Paul Kahura said, “We decided to split our team into two groups, one playing in the morning and the other in the afternoon to ensure that we made the most out of the day, and our plan paid off. We are glad to have won and look forward to representing our club at the grand finale.”

On the individual front, Alvin Mbugua returned a score of 45 Stableford points to claim the overall winner’s title in the field of over 200 players, beating junior Victory Waiyaki by two points, Victory went on to pick the men’s winner accolade, with Beth Kariuki taking home the lady winner’s prize.

James Kimani and Scola Onsongo bagged the men’s and ladies’ longest drive awards, with Captain Waweru Thuku claiming the nearest to the pin prize. Scola also took home the staff winner’s prize having played a round of 36, as Walter Njenga scooped the Guest’s prize.

The day’s action was capped off with a hole-in-one by James Kimani, at the par-3 14^th, with a pitching wedge in hand.

The amateur tournament was preceded by a successful lady’s clinic, which was held on Friday afternoon and attracted over 25 ladies, at the same venue. On Sunday, attention will shift to the juniors as they also take part in a similar introductory clinic. The clinics which will be held concurrently with the amateur series are aimed at growing the reach of the sport of golf in the country.

The fourth leg of the 2023 KCB East Africa Golf Tour will be held at the Railways golf club on Saturday 13^th May 2023, where a further two teams are expected to qualify to play in the grand finale.

A golfer in action during the Karen Ladies Open at Karen Country Club on Saturday.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

VetLab Sports Club’s Mercy Nyanchama beat a large field of more than 200 golfers to emerge the overall gross champion of the second edition of the Karen Ladies Open with 78 gross on count back, beating Karen’s Louisa Gitau who came in second. Agnes Nyakio came in third with 79 gross.

In the Division A nett category, Wayua Mululu emerged top with 72 nett, beating Naomi Kimata on count back. Rachel Ndei came in third with 74 nett, beating Dorcas Mbalanya on count-back,

In Division B nett category, Janealice Mutuota overcame a strong challenge from junior Brianna Ngecu, beating her on count-back with 70 nett. Carol Onsando’s 73 nett score was enough for her to claim the third position.

In Division C nett, Lillian Atho came in first with 68 nett, two shots better than Marie Mugo who came in second. Occupying the third position was Rehema Okal with 70 nett.

Meanwhile, Nyawira Macharia was the star among the juniors with 75 nett.

Speaking at the event, Karen Country Club Lady Captain Doreen Murithi said: “The Karen Ladies Open was a fantastic event that showcased the very best of women’s golf in Kenya. We were delighted to host such a tournament and provide a platform for female golfers from across the country to compete against each other. I want to congratulate all the participants and winners who made this event such a success. I also want to thank EABL through Johnnie Walker and other sponsors for their generous support and for their commitment to promoting women’s golf and diversity in sports.”

On her part, EABL representative Nduku Wamakau said; “We are proud to have been part of this event that celebrates women’s golf and promotes diversity and inclusivity in sports. At EABL, we believe in the power of sports to bring people together, inspire greatness, and promote positive change in society. The dedication, passion, and skill of all the participants have been an inspiration to us all. We are committed to supporting the sport of golf and promoting inclusivity and diversity in all our endeavours. We look forward to sponsoring more events like this in the future.”

The annual event is part of the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) Golfer of the Year competitions organized by Karen Country Club and is aimed at promoting women’s golf in the country.