Muraguri gets Kibaki Trophy: Handicap 14 beats 117 players to claim the title at Nyeri Golf Club

38th Kibaki Trophy Overall Winner George Muraguri receives his trophy from Judy Kibaki, at the Nyeri Golf Club, Nov 30. Muraguri won with 76 gross on count back PHOTO: MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD

George Muraguri amassed 76 gross points to claim the overall title during the 38th edition of Kibaki Trophy at par 72 Nyeri Golf Club over the weekend.

Muraguri, fresh from winning the Kenya Airways Golf Safari series, was in top form as he prevailed upon a large field of 117 golfers beating Antony Munene to the podium spot on count-back in the two day event.

Playing on handicap 14, Muraguri took the overall title after posting a score of 36 points on the first day and collected 40 more points on the final day to edge out Munene.

Munene had posted an identical score of 38 points on the inward nine and another 38 on the second nine for a total of 76 gross.

“I am happy to have played alongside a strong team on both days and still did well. My drive was super, keeping me on the fairway, and everything fell into place. But above all, I wanted to prove Dr. Thuo wrong, because he told me I couldn’t win the Kibaki Trophy after last week’s feat where I had won the KQ golf Safari,” said Muraguri.

Tarsem Sembi, playing off handicap 20, took the men’s second runners-up after carding 76 gross (37+37) as Hon. Kanini Kega claimed the men’s fourth position with 73 (43+30) gross. Bishop Jack Kamere was fifth after collecting 72 (35+37) gross beating Father Martin Ndegwa to the Sixth position on count-back. The two tied on 72 gross.

Pauline Kiguta, the Nyeri Golf Club Lady Captain, playing off handicap 26, returned an impressive gross score of 77 (45+32) to don the Ladies Medal, which was enough to edge out her closest rival Stellar Mwangi 75 (36+39) gross score. Third place went to Regina Mumero with 70 (40+30) gross score.

The overall Gross winner prize went to Solomon Karanja playing off handicap three after posting 155 (75+77) with Mathew Githinji taking the Gross first runners-up position with 162 (84+78).

James Kinoti, won the first nine on Saturday with 21 point score as Father Richard Kinyua took the second nine with a 23 point score. On Sunday, it was Nishit Desai, who won the first nine with 19 point after count-back having tied with George Wakaba.

Dr. Gikony from Eldoret won the Gentlemen Guest prize with a score of 75 (37+38) gross as Hon Martha Karua bagged Ladies Guest Prize with a 64 (34+30) gross score.

Governor Duncan Ndegwa won the Senior Golfers prize as the Most Consistent prize went to D. Ndirangu for participating in the event since its inception in 1977.

“On behalf of the Kibaki family we are honoured to be associated with the longest running tournament at the Nyeri Golf Club. Sponsoring this tournament for 38 years is not an easy feat and we assure you that we will be around for many more years, God willing, to better golf with your continued support,” said Judy Kibaki, who presided over the prize giving ceremony.

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