WELL OUT: Nyali's Daniel Nduva playing for Mombasa, gets out of a bunker at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club during the Keringet Tannahill golf tournament first day. Photo by Stafford Ondego.

By ENOCK NGOME

Champions Muthaiga took an early lead as the 89th edition of the Keringet Tannahill Golf tournament teed off at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Club with 15 points on day one.

The Muthaiga team made up of veteran Evans Vitisia, Mwai Mbuthia, Kumar Dhall, Rajesh Bhabra, Kabugu Kagwe, Ashwin Gidoomal, John Gitonga, Bhavnish Chandaria, Tanvir Sodi and Allan Wairi beat Mombasa 8-0 and Sigona 7-1 to rule the roost on day one.

The reigning champions have won the coveted title three times in a row and will be keen to extend their dominance.

Royal had 13 points after beating Karen 8-0 and Western 5-3, while Western was third on seven points and Sigona tied with Limuru in position four on six points apiece.

Pre tournament favourites Vet Lab were disqualified from the tournament after they insisted on fielding three honorary members instead of the required two as per the tournament’s rules.

“We have to adhere to the tournament rules and there was no way we could allow a team to have more than two honorary members in their side. The tournament is surposed to be fun and for players and fans to enjoy,” said Royal Nairobi Golf Club’s assistant captain Jack Okuku.

Today, the hosts Royal plays against Mombasa and Limuru, while Muthaiga will be against Railway and Western and Karen tackle Sigona. Royal will lock horns with arch rivals Muthaiga on the tournament’s final day, a round that will be a must watch. pandora joyas pandora joyas

David Opati Winner Keringet GOTY Dubai Beach Maters 2011. He will be missing in action as his club Golf Park will not be taking part.

By ENOCK NGOME

After the successful hosting of the Barclays Kenya Open Golf Championsip at the weekend, focus now shifts to the annual Tannahill Golf event to be held at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club from Friday to Sunday.

The three rounds tournament, which is perceived to be the biggest amateur tournament in the country as it brings together the best amateur players from 10 clubs and it will be celebrating its 89th edition this year. Speaking after receiving a Sh2 million sponsorship cheque from Keringet, club captain Darshan Mistry said preparations for the tournament where complete.

“Royal club has been the runner-up behind Muthaiga for three years in a row, but we are confident of ending their dominance this time. We are lucky to have Crown Beverages on board this year, through their brands Keringet water and Castle light,” said Mistry.

He added: “The format of play will be foursomes matchplay and Railways has been promoted, replacing Windsor, which was relegated last year.”

The teams that will take part are hosts Royal, reigning champions Muthaiga, Mombasa, Vet Lab, Sigona, Limuru, Karen, Railway and Western.

“The Mombasa team will comprise of players from Mombasa Golf Club, Nyali and Leisure Club, while the Western team will bring the best amateurs from Eldoret Club, Nakuru, Nyanza and Kitale. Each team is made up of 10 players but only eight players can play at a time,” Mistry said. He added: “The scoring system will remain the same, two points for a win, one point for a draw and no point for a loss.”

The Tannahill tournament was inaugurated in 1924 as an annual event when the General Committee of the then Nairobi Golf Club invited teams representing Mombasa, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nakuru and Muthaiga to participate in the Tournament.

Every club plays one match against each of the other clubs, eight players a side and the format was four ball better ball match play. Since then the format has been changed to foursomes match play. Nine clubs now participate in the tournament on round Robin basis. nike air max blancas nike air max blancas