Standard golf tees off at Royal Nairobi

BY ERICK OCHIENG’

Murathania Mugambi during the Standard Golf Series at Royal Nairobi, yesterday.

The first leg of the annual Standard Group County Golf Classic series teed off yesterday at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

The series attracted over 200 golfers eager to win the premier golf event staged in the  Ngong Road golf course.

The notable group to watch was that of BO Ciera, M Mugambi, J Kogo and J Chebukati due to good form they displayed.

The group of Bills Gatundu, Jay Sadhu, A Onsomu and former Kenya Golf Union chairman David Mogere was also in high spirit and predicted that the overall winner of the leg would come from their group.

 The first lot to tee off at 8am -- B Koyier, C Baraza, J Odhiambo, R Ragalo and former Royal Nairobi Golf Club captain Jack Okuku, who is also a former Standard Group staffer, were also optimistic that they would produce the guest winner.

Long-hitting Florence Maina and National Olympic Committee-Kenya treasurer, Fridah Shiroya, were among the women to watch.

In the staff category, Standard Group’s Finance Director Orlando Lyomu, who has greatly improved was scheduled to give Machua Koinange, Salim Bwika and Fredrick Kirui a run for their money in the competition played under fair weather.

The last tee off was at 13.36pm and included the group of D Gudka, KR Shah, S Karanja and EM Kingara.

According to Okuku, the course was in its best ever condition and believed the players certainly enjoyed their rounds.

“The course is currently in its best condition ever, thanks to the rain and it is playing long. It favoured long hitters,” said Okuku.

Just like the successful inaugural edition held last year, the second edition stands to draw contestants from the corporate world, academic institutions and other professional backgrounds who had registered ahead of yesterday’s tee off.

 Tournament consultant John Ngaruiya noted that participants enjoyed a clear view of Ngong Hills, which form a stunning backdrop to the two opening holes -number one and two, while playing at the serene and pristine golf course. 

“The participants from various career backgrounds had the chance to interact and network as they participated which is one of the major values of this prestigious tournament,” Ngaruiya noted.