Standard Group Golf: Players enjoys whole lot of experience at the eighth leg Eldoret course

The eighth leg of the 2016 Standard County Golf Classic series was held at the par 71 Eldoret Golf Club on Saturday.

The tournament teed off at exactly 8am with the first batch comprising of Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, Kiambu County Deputy Governor Gerald Githinji, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Director John Kibosia and the Standard Group photographer Sammy Mose.

The group had a cutthroat competition on the green lush but tight fairways as they battled for top honors in the event held under clear skies.

Tolgos admitted he could not resist the urge to contest in the tournament when he was invited by his friend Githinji. “What came into my mind when I received the invite was the kind of experience I had last year on the course. It was challenging and very nostalgic,” said Tolgos.

The other reason for Tolgos turning up for the event was in line with his mission to cut weight at the same time keep fit as part of his daily routine.

“I am here to keep fit, lose weight and challenge myself for a victory today,” said Tolgos.

Just to show his passion for the game, Githinji who is a Muthaiga Golf Club handicap 15 player travelled hundreds of kilometers from his base in Kiambu to take part in the Eldoret tournament.

“I said I would do something different this season so I chose to take part in the Eldoret leg to try a whole new experience. I am happy that the turnout was even amazing,”Githinji said.

While adding that he truly loved the course as it was in great shape with good holdings, Githinji said: “I am glad the experience is worth remembering as I was able to do a lot of networking with strangers as well as acquaintances.”

However, things did not go well for Doctor Samuel Otieno who was playing off handicap 23.Otieno who is based at the Ruiru Golf Club admitted the course was quite challenging for him.

He said”I am glad to be here. I had a lot of expectations with my swings but unfortunately the fairways were not moving as fast as I had expected.”

The battle of staff prizes also ensued at the event. Standard Group’s Human Resource Director Nicholas Siwaton had early session with his caddy practicing fine shots at the range before he finally stepped up for the challenge in the course.

Playing off handicap 28, Siwaton was hopeful he would give other staff members including Mose and Salim Bwika a run for their money.

“Only one point separated me from Bwika who had 35 points in the Nanyuki leg, I have done my homework well and I am hoping to carry the day today,”Siwaton said before he teed off.

The players admitted holes number number four was challenging due to its dogleg right nature while hole number ten had a narrow fairway which is sandwiched between a parallel river on the left and a forest on the right making precision a priority rather than distance.

Standard Group CEO Sam Shollei was scheduled to grace the event’s closing ceremony late last night at the venue.