Golf union unveils new system for call-ups

The Golfer of The Year (Goty) championship series will no longer be used as a benchmark for players to be named to the national team.

According to Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairman Anthony Muhoro, the national team was complacent, lazy and indifferent, with great appetite for allowances rather than passion to fly the country's flag high at international events.

"The players only work hard to make the GOTY cut mark and after that, they don't care what happens next. They don't play for national pride, but only to earn allowances," the chairman said.

This comes in the wake of Kenya's dismal performance at the recently concluded Africa Zone Six Challenge in Swaziland, where the country finished 11th. The golfers did not qualify for the main cup.

The chairman used the example of two-time GOTY winner and defending champion John Karichu of Limuru Country Club, whom he accused of concealing his injury ahead of the Swaziland Challenge.

"Had Karichu told us that he was injured, we could have easily replaced him with another player instead of being a liability to the country in Swaziland. His intention was only to pocket the allowances. We have noted other players, who fight to go for international tournaments despite being injured,"Muhoro said.

In order to curb this national team menace, KGU has devised a system that will now see all local players attached to a club have the chance to represent Kenya at international events.

The new system will involve players undergoing a thorough qualification round(s). Each club affiliated to KGU will be allowed to send their three best players who are not in the top 15 on the GOTY ranking table for a qualifying round.

KGU will utilise the strategy at the upcoming Victoria Cup Challenge (Kenya) and the East Africa Challenge (Ethiopia) qualifiers to be held at the Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi on Tuesday.

"We have invited three best players from all clubs as well as the top 15 GOTY players for the qualifiers. The top 12 players will be selected and three wild card entries will be awarded.

"The selected players will then proceed for residential camps ahead of the events. The coach will have total control on the selection," said Muhoro.