Mary Ndegwa of Kenya Railways Golf Club carded 42 stableford points, beating John Mwaura on countback, to lift the 2023 Aviation Community Golf Day held at par 72 Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi on Friday.
At the same time, Erick Ochieng (Standard Group PLC), Mutahi Njoroge (KCB Bank) and Faith Gichuru (Turkish Airlines) won return tickets to East Africa, Africa, and New York destinations respectively, courtesy of national carrier Kenya Airways. Margaret Waithera bagged a ticket to any destination within Kenya courtesy of Skyward Express airline.
On her way to victory, Ndegwa fired 19 points in the front nine and 23 at the back nine to floor other 243 players who battled in the cutthroat showpiece.
“This is the major tournament I've won since I started playing golf less than three years ago. My victory tonight shows that I’m improving in the game, the win has given me confidence,” the mother of two told Standard Sports after the prize giving ceremony.
Ndegwa attributed her good run on the lush Muthaiga fairways to great team-mates who determined the game she played on the championship course.
“Everyone in the batch was more focused, they inspired me, the greens at the back nine were also more friendly as my shots and putts just rolled into place,” Ndegwa underlined.
Ahead of the tournament, the handicap 25 player had a date with the range where she hit a couple of balls to perfect both her long and short games. She also engaged in several mid-week friendlies to align her swings.
Ndegwa strongly believes the tournament, now in its third edition, gives Kenyans a unique chance to know more about the aviation industry and how the various airlines and the Kenya Airport Authority operates.
In the next five years, Ndegwa hopes to improve on her fitness and expand her social capital as she continues to widen her network within the golfing fraternity.
The 2023 Aviation Community Golf Day results
- Overall Winner: Mary Ndegwa
- Men Winners: John Mwaura
- Men Runners Up: F. Kinuthia
- Men Third: Peter Kinyua
- Lady Winner: Margaret Ngugi
- Lady Runners Up: Damaris Olale
- Lady Third: Peninah Kamau
- First Nine Winner: Hawkins Musili
