Sh1.1m raised for noble cause: Chebii swings to victory as Weru registers maiden course Hole-in-One

Swiss Resort Mount Kenya Golf Resort developer Ronald Ndegwa (left) presents "Swing to Uplift" charity golf overall prize to Gideon Chebii (right. Sh1.1m in aid of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Education Center (Olphec) was realized during the golf tournament played at the par 72 course in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, September 15, 2018. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Gilbert Chebii is the overall winner of the maiden Swing to Uplift charity golf tournament at the par 72 Swiss International Resort Mount Kenya over weekend.

Chebii emerged tops at the charity golf event in aid of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Education Center (Olphec), Naro Moru in Nyeri.

The center shelters 185 disadvantaged children.

Tucked in between the majestic Mount Kenya and Aberdare Mountain ranges, Swiss International Resort Mount Kenya is an area of outstanding beauty coupled with spectacular views.

The nine-hole golf course, one of the newest golf courses in the country, is a parkland course by design found in a lush inland setting, with well-manicured fairways, rough and lush greens.

Parkland courses are categorised by their design element and natural setting dotted by numerous trees.

“As part of our CSR at Swiss Resort Mount Kenya, we offered a helping hand by fundraising through a golf tournament in aid of Olphec," said Ronald Ndegwa, the developer, during the award ceremony that was graced by Kieni Member of Parliament Kanini Kega.

"We are glad that many organisations came through for this cause.” 

“It’s our prayer that through the funds realised from today’s event, lives of these young ones will improve and in a special way,” added Ndegwa.

A total of Sh1.1million was realised during the event presented by Swiss International Hotels and Resorts, DT Dobie, Safaricom Limited and Oxygene MCL.

Others were Indemnity Club, Express Shipping & Logistics, 50, Ventures, Sabrina Holdings, Warsteiner, Transcountry, Africa biosystems Ltd, Norkun Intakes and NISK Capital.

Basco Paints, through its Chief Executive Officer Bipin Shah, offered an annual supply of porridge for the center, which was in addition to his contribution.

Despite the gusting winds, sweltering heat and predictions for thunderstorms, Chebii closed his round with 37 stableford points to triumph over the 76 golfers who participated in the tournament.

While delivering the winner’s speech, Chebii said; “It’s not about my win, but about all of us who participated in every way towards today’s success."

"We are all winners for hitting the course for a worthy cause. We are a blessing to the children and the center. A big Thank you all.”

Eventual Men winner Daniel Weru, on a score of 37 stableford points, registered the Maiden Hole-in-One at the par-three third hole, which plays 120 yards.

Weru received a dozen golf balls for achieving the rare feat as Nanyuki Sports Club’s long hitter Richard “Manji” Kabugi was Men second winner with 34 stableford points.

Donning the Ladies medal was Florence Riungu on a score of 31 stableford points as Nyeri Golf Club’s Lady captain Jennifer Kariuki settled for Lady winner second on a score of 26 stableford points.

Father’s prize went to Nyahururu Sports Club’s Father Nick Kiboi on a score of 29 stableford points.

The De-tour (a virtual golf club) golfers prize went to Erick Muriithi who had a score of 30 stableford points.

B Kangethe with 21 stableford points won the First Nine prize, while Hiuhu Kinyua took the Second Nine prize with 19 stableford points.

In the commercials, Four twos were recorded which included Weru’s hole-in-one, with the tournament's youngest player Henry Kungu, aged 10, missing a hole-in-one by five inches.