Nduva guides Kenya to victory: Mombasa comes alive as locals call the shots

SPORTS-GOLF-DANIEL NDUVA; SPORTS-GOLF-DANIEL NDUVA; Daniel Nduva Makes a Swing at Nyali golf Course in Mombasa County on Sunday,022nd October,2017.[Maarufu Mohamed,Standard]

South Africa-based golfer triumphs in Amateur Stroke Play.

Kenyan Daniel Nduva received a standing ovation from fellow golfers after guiding Kenya to victory on the final day of the 2017 Kenya Amateur Stroke  Play championships at the weekend.

The South Africa-based player oozed class during the championships at the par-71 Nyali Golf and County Club in Mombasa.

The 22-year-old, who is also a member at Nyali and is currently based at the South African Golf School of Excellence in Johannesburg, posted a round total of 287 gross to be named the Stroke Play champion.

The handicap 00 Nduva, who now earns a direct ticket to the 2018 Kenya Open, started with a 6 over par 77 gross on Thursday, before playing a 3 over par 74 on the second day.

He recovered on the third day to post an excellent 5 under par 66 gross.

Although he was under immense pressure on the final day, when he came face to face with top Tanzanian amateur Joseph Victor and Ugandan favourite Ronald Rugumayo, Nduva brought a one under par 70 gross for an excellent aggregate lead to emerge the champion.

“I have done it. This has been my dream and it has come true,” said Nduva as he received a hug from his father, Patrick Munyao, after the deserved victory.

The champion was only four strokes better than the Tanzanian, who claimed the runner-up slot on 291 gross (80-72-67-72).

Royal Golf Club’s handicap 01 Dennis Sakwa was third on a count back score of 301 gross (81-72-73-75).

The 72-hole event, which counts towards the Kenya Golf Union, Kenya Amateur Golf Championship and World Amateur rankings, attracted 70 leading amateurs from the East African region.

Nyali Club manager Eunice Masila said Nduva started playing golf at the club at a young age and praised the golfer for making the club proud.

Kenya Golf Union chairman Richard Wanjalla, flanked by his deputy Lucas Maranga, thanked the club management and golfers for the success of the four-day event.

Some of the championship sponsors were Deloitte, Equity Bank, Africa Gas & Oil Company Ltd, Windhoek Premium Lager and Nyali Golf and Country Club.