Githiori rules Thika as fourth leg of Standard Group County Golf Classic series ends

Joseph Waweru Githiori is the winner of the fourth leg of the 2014 Standard Group County Golf Classic Series.

Githiori posted 20 stable ford points in the first nine and another 22 points in the second nine for a total of 42 points to emerge the overall winner at Thika Sports Club on Saturday.

The 73-year-old, who was among the oldest golfers in the tournament, slashed his handicap from 27 to 25 in the tournament that attracted more than 250 golfers.

“I had a great team on the course and the weather was conducive. These are the factors that contributed to my win,” said Githiori, who is a doctor by profession.

Githiori who started playing golf in 1979 told FeverPitch that he will continue playing despite his advanced age and medical condition.

OFF AND OFF THE POTCH

The golfer was last year diagnosed with shingles, a post hepatic neuralgia condition.

“Though I have been on and off the pitch on health grounds, my passion for the game is not waning any time soon,” he said.

Githiori adds that his consistency and fitness on the golf course has been made possible by practising thrice in a week besides socialising and networking with like-minded professionals.

Standard Group Commercial Manager Salim Bwika said the company has lots of attachment to Thika Sports Club owing to the large turnout at the weekend event.

“We are glad the number surpassed realised last year, this indicates that we are growing and many people are embracing our products. Standard Group is focused on regional expansion of its media solutions,” said Bwika.

Club chairman Ian Ndung’u said they were glad to be associated with the Standard Group and that they cannot wait for the next tournament to be staged at the venue. Golf consultant John Ngaruiya said: “The course was truly inviting with very challenging bunkers and the conducive weather created a greenish panoramic view to admire while playing, we can’t wait to be in Thika again.”

The series’ has been to Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Limuru Country Club Kakamega, and Thika.

Results
1. Best Effort: John Kiragu       16 PTS
2. Junior winner: Simon Ngugi     42
3. Staff Winner: Joseph Yego      29
4. Guest Runner up: N.Njuguna     36
5. Guest winner: R.Marck       39
6. Second Nine winner: Patrick Ciano   22
7. First Nine winner: James Mwenda    23
8. Lady Runner Up: Linda Kinyua     35
9. Lady Winner: Mary Wainaina     38
10. Men Third: Peter Karare      41
11. Men Runner Up: Wilhem Mugho    42
12. Men Winner: S.N Gitau       42
13. Men Overall Winner: Joseph Githiori   42
14. Nearest to Pin: Hanif Kurji
15. Longest Drive: Judy Waihenya