By Maarufu Mohamed
Simon Ngige maintained top form to clinch the KCB Advantage Banking golf trophy at Royal Golf Club, Nairobi.
The Thika Golf Club professional posted an overall round total of 280 from 65-67-73-75, to close the four-day event with an impressive 12 under par and claim the first prize money of Sh96,000 at the weekend.
Ngige, who had led the event since day one on Wednesday, played a tormenting game on tough pin positions in the third round on Friday were his points were slashed down to six shots but clung on to the top spot.
The golfer came from behind after a false start to the series in February that saw him finish second in the first leg in Thika, before finishing fourth in the second leg in Muthaiga and sixth in the last event held in Nyanza Club.
“The tournament was tough, but I fought hard to regain my glory,” said Ngige
Ngige beat Mumias Club professional and long-hitting Dismas Indiza by five shots on a significant round total of 285 made of 69,72,70, 74.
Third was Nicholas Rokoine who played a level par 288, while Anil Shah, enjoying the home course advantage, shot four over par 292 to settle for fourth position.
increased sponsorship
The 2012 KCB East Africa tour series started at Thika Golf Club in the first week of February.
It was first held in 2007 as a small Pro-Am series and was sponsored by KCB to only a tune of Sh950,000 but has gradually increased to Sh9,000,000 today.
This year’s sponsorship has increased by Sh300,000, therefore increasing the total from last year’s Sh8.7 million to Sh9 million this year.
