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The Nairobian

Standard Group Golf: Late bloomer Lagat lifts Standard Group golf in Eldoret

Golf

By ERICK OCHIENG' | Sep 25, 2016

Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Gabriel Lagat is a perfect case of late bloomers when it comes to the game of golf.

The 48 year old was introduced to the sport by his dear friend Mike Rotich last year.

His interest soon grew and he started serious practice sessions between 6.15am and 7.45am every Tuesdays and Thursdays at his new Eldoret Golf Club that he had joined.

This hard work has finally paid off a year later when he fired a total of 43 stable ford points to lift the eighth leg of the Standard County Golf Classic series held at the par 71 Eldoret Golf Club at the weekend.

The father of four slotted 21 points in the front nine and raked another 22 in the back nine to beat 75 golfers who had turned up for the event.

But what was the secret of his huge success in the weekend tournament?

"Actually, this is a huge surprise to me .I am yet to believe I have finally won a big tournament like this, "said Lagat who played alongside his boss Alex Tolgos.

Lagat explained the course was conducive on his side which saw him nipped a total of seven pars which propelled him to victory.

"The pars covered my weak areas especially in holes eight and 15 that I had blanked, “noted Lagat, a staunch viewer of KTN prime time news.

The Standard Group tournament was the second victory for Lagat who in April was able to win the club's Monthly Mug contest before coming second in the Crown Paint event early this month.

The victory in the Standard Group golf came with additional perks for Lagat whose win saw him slash his handicap from 23 to 20 starting this week.

He will get a three month free subscription of Standard newspaper and the Nairobian as a result of his feat.

While assuring he will be at the course to defend the win next year Lagat said: "I advice people, whether young or old to take up any game especially golf which can be played irrespective of their age. Sports will help them to keep fit."

Helen Yego fired 21 and 19 points to emerge Lady Winner with 40 points while Men winner was Natu Lakhani with 39 after he amassed 18 and 21 in both nines.

Both Yego and Lakhani will get a month subscription of Standard newspaper and the Nairobian for their feats.

Standard Group CEO Sam Shollei who graced the event award ceremony on Saturday night at the venue assured the tournament will make another grand come back at the course next year.

"We started this journey three years ago. We have now expanded to 13 clubs this season. Our vision is to be a voice of society as we continue to meet and interact with our customers through golf," Shollei said in his speech.

Standard Group Sports Editor Robin Toskin noted that it was Standard newspaper diligent coverage that propelled the Kenyan Premier League football to where it is right now and the same justice will be done to golf and other games so as to encourage young people to take up sports which can be a good source of livelihood.

RESULTS

1.Overall winner: Gabriel Lagat 43 stableford points (21+22)

2.Men winner:Natu Lakhani 39(18 +21)

3.Lady winner:Helen Yego 40 (21+19)

4.Junior winner:Kush Patel 39 (19+20)

5.Men runners up:Kamal Shah 39 (19+20)

6.Men third:Charles Ng'ang'a 37 (17+20)

7.Gross winner:Aron Kitur 18 gross

8.Lady runners up:Florence Murgor 35 (15+20)

9.Guest winner:Evans Manono 37 (18+19)

10.Guest runners up:George Owino 31 (16+15)

11.Staff winner:Joseph Yego 31 (16+15)