Jimmy Kibaki (left) presents the Patron’s Cup trophy to Muthaiga’s captain after Muthaiga won the send edition of the tournament.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The second edition of the Kenya Golf Union-Patrons Cup saw Muthaiga Golf Club retain the Trophy Sunday at their Par 71 home turf. The tournament honors the late former President Mwai Kibaki who was the Patron of Kenya Golf Union and Muthaiga Golf Club for a long time.

“It is encouraging to have seen the teams and their supporters come through for an exciting tournament. We want to see more of the same in subsequent years,”stated MGC Captain Bob Ngugi.

In the three-day Patrons Trophy that teed off on Friday, Muthaiga Golf Club had a cumulative tally of 105.5. The foursomes round on Friday saw the home side pick 13.5 points and on Saturday morning they collected 20 points the garnered 27 points in the afternoon before ending the campaign with 45 points in the Sunday singles for a cumulative tally of 105.5.

VetLab Golf Club who had threatened to spoil the party for the hosts by stretching them all the way, finished second on a cumulative total of 93.5 points. The team teed-off on a high pace, sending early warnings as they posted 25.5 points in the Friday afternoon Foursomes, on Saturday morning they only managed five points in the Four Ball Better Ball, then in the afternoon Foursomes they picked 18 points, before completing their quest with 45 points in Singles on the final day.

Sigona was third on a cumulative score of 29 points.

In the Patron’s Shield competition, Nyali Golf & Country Club finished top with a total of 105 points thus earning promotion to the trophy competition for next year’s event. The coast side will now join the top two finishers in the Trophy competition; Muthaiga Golf Club and VetLab as Sigona will now play in the Shield competition. In the singles round on Sunday, Nyali picked a total of 49.5 points to solidify their final standings tally.

Kenya Railways were second in the Shield competition on a cumulative total of 63.5 points.

Limuru Country Club earned promotion to the Shield after topping the Plaque division with a total 98.5 points. At the same time, Royal Nairobi Club who finished overall on third with 63.5 points in the Patrons Shield now gets demoted to the Plaque category while Windsor Golf & Country Club used to reside and now drops to Patrons Bowl.

Limuru Captain David Irimu was appreciative of the team effort after earning promotion in next year’s showpiece. “It was enjoyable for all of us and all gratitude goes to Muthaiga Golf Club for hosting us but allowing teams to own the event. We did well as a team because last year we were relegated from Shield to Plaque but this year we managed to beat Golf Park,Karen Country Club and Windsor Country Club to get promoted again back to the Shield category. The organization was top notch and for me also what worked was the inclusivity around It. We look forward to being bigger and better hopefully in 2024,”said the former Club Chairman.

Elsewhere Kiambu Golf Club earned a deserved promotion berth to the Plaque Division after posting a commendable total tally of 108 points to finish ahead of Mombasa Sports Club and Thika Sports Club on 79 points and 95 points respectively.

A total 168 players representing 14 teams across the country took part in the three day tournament. The Trophy and Shield competitions attracted three teams apiece whilst the Plaque and Bowl competition saw four teams compete per round.

ENDS…

Diana Mbuba, the Lady Champion for the KCB Sponsored Kenya Ladies Open
Amateur Matchplay at Royal Golf Club.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Seasoned lady golfer Diana Mbuba clinched the Kenya Ladies Golf Union Amateur Championship held at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club over the weekend.

The golfer registered her win after the 22^nd hole sudden death to emerge victorious over Mercy Nyanchama who settled for the champion runner-up position at the KCB-sponsored tournament.

Mukami Mungai was named the winner of the Division A category while Eunice Kilonzo scooped the Division B category following her peerless and valiant display at the 18-hole course.

Speaking after her victory Sunday evening, Diana Mbuba said: “This victory comes as a reward for my relentless practice and hard work behind the scenes. I expected to shine today because I have been training so hard for this championship. Of course, I competed against some top amateur golfers in the country who demonstrated prowess and experience. I am looking forward to upcoming tournaments and I can’t wait to compete again because golf is a sport I love so much.”

Florence Maina emerged as the Division A runner-up while Veronica Muthiani took home the Division B runner-up award. Ashley Awuor and Nancy Wairimu made it to the semi-finals in the champions category.

Division A category was also a tightly contested affair but Caroline Kadikinyi and Benta Khaniri floored their opponents to also make it to the semi-finals.

Division A winner Mukami Wangai said: “I am happy because KCB has always given women an opportunity to participate in golf. Through their partnership with Kenya Ladies Golf Union, we had an amazing day of golf here at Royal. We are calling upon other corporations to invest in golf sponsorships that will enable more women to participate in this sport.”

KCB is set to partner with KDF for the Commander’s Cup that is scheduled for September 16^th at the Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha.