KENYA DROPS TO THIRD SPOT: Host golfers still hopeful to claim African title in Limuru tourney

Team Kenya's Jay Sandhu tee-off at the 6th hole as Zambia's Denmack Mulambo, left, and Uganda's Ronald Otile wait for their turn during the Africa Amateur Golf Team Championship at Limuru Country Club on Sunday, Oct 12, 2015. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO.

Team Kenya yesterday dropped to third place with a 10-stroke difference, behind Zimbabwe and six-time winners South Africa, in the ongoing Africa amateur golf team championships at the par 72 Limuru golf course.

Kenya, who on Tuesday were joint leaders with South Africa on 442 gross each, ended yesterday’s action with  672 gross, to share the third slot with Mauritius.

Captain John Karichu brought in the best score of three over par 75 gross, Jay Sandhu had a five over par 77 gross, John Kariuki played a six over par 78 gross and B.Ciera had a seven over par 79 gross.

“We are closer to winning the title and we will do everything possible to have the cup remain at home. The course is playing well, so let us wait for the d-day today,” said karichu.

Zimbabwe enter the fourth day round today with a lead of 662 gross, ahead of South Africa, who have 664 gross. Zone six and the East African Champions Uganda on 675 gross are fourth, while Zambia was fifth on 679 gross.

Other results were Mauritius 686 gross, Tanzania (700 gross), Tunisia (704 gross), Egypt (718 gross), Namibia (720 gross), Botswana (720 gross), Cote de’ D’lvoire (723 gross) and Sychelles (749 gross).

Thirteen countries and 52 leading Africa golfers are participating in the four-day 72 holes Strokes play Championships that ends today (Thursday).

The Championship that was started in 2001 in South Africa and is played after two years, is in its eighth edition and Kenya is hosting it for the first time.

The event will be contested over rounds of strokes played by each team, where only the best three scores per round will count towards the team total.

The country with the lowest gross score at the end of the championship will be crowned champions. The championship, according to the Kenya Golf Union, is worth about Sh10 million and is currently supported by world golf body Royal and Ancient, Kenya Power, Kenya Tourism Board, Access Kenya, AAR, and IMG Public Relations.

The event started last Saturday with arrival of teams and registration, before the players went for a training session the following day.

The team has captain John Karichu (Limuru), Jay Sandhu (Royal), Bo Ciera (Royal), John Kariuki (Limuru) and Paul Muchangi (Limuru).

The competition is regarded as the most prestigious golf event in Africa.