Shahs in wonderland with win at Standard golf tourney

Computer Technician Hina Shar is handed over the overall a ward trophy by The Standard Group CEO Sam Shollei (left) after winning the Standard Group County Classic Golf Tournament at Eldoret Club over the weekend. Hina scooped 42 points on handicap 29 toi put her on the wining position. 27.09.2015. Pictures By Peter Ochieng.

Home girl Hina Shah carded a solid 42 stableford points to win the Standard County Golf Classic at the par 71 Eldoret Golf Course on Saturday.

Playing off handicap 29, Shah fired 19 points on the inward nine and another 23 points on the outward nine. Shah, a computer technician, took advantage of the home course to sink three birdies on hole number four, seven and 14, a double bogey and a dash of seven bogies.

The 24-year-old then ended up her round with seven pars spread out on both nines to lift the prestigious trophy.

The course held for a better part of the morning before paving way to a scorching sun, which was equally challenging for the resident golfers and visitors from Ruiru, Nakuru, Nyeri and Nandi Bears Golf Clubs.

“I am surprised with this win. I never expected to win the overall title. But I pay tribute to my playing partners and my husband for their encouragement,” said an excited Hina. Nawaz Manji won the men’s category with 40 stableford points, while Juze Nurbai finishes second with 39 points, ahead of Nandi Bears Captain C. Kebenei and Jaideep Shah, who were third and fourth.

Jane Koech, playing off handicap 15, wore the ladies medal with 39 stable ford points, while Ila Shah was second with 35 points.

Nyeri Bureau’s Mose Sammy carded 37 stable ford points to lift the staff prize. Eldoret Club’s Captain Joseph Watunu, playing off handicap 3 and banking on the local course advantage, was the Gross winner with 74 points.

Hard-hitter Ezekiel Mutai won men’s Longest Drive title, while Cathy Gatua carried the ladies’ trophy.

Standard Group’s CEO Sam Shollei praised golfers for a job well done.

“The Standard Group was established 114 years ago and participated in the evolution of Kenya. We are now participating in the transformation of the nation,” he said.

Eldoret Club chairman Sandeep Sagoo paid glowing tribute to the Standard Group for their support of the tournament.