Golfers set to battle for glory at Standard County Classic today

Golfer Jane Koech follows her shot during a past Standard County Golf Classic at Eldoret Golf Club. [Peter Ochieng, Standard] 

It’s all systems go as the second leg of the 2022 Standard County Golf Classic Series tees off at par 71 Eldoret Club today morning.

First off the tee-box will be the batch of P.Sabulei, M.Karoney, B.Tororey and G.Karira at 7am.

They will be followed ten minutes later by the group of Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, Brenda Kimeli, R.Cuthbert and G.Koech.

Anika Patel, who carded 32 stableford points to emerge junior runners up in the last edition held at the pristine golf in October, is fervently praying for victory in the category this round.

The new kid on the block, Dominic Chelimo, who will start his hunt for glory at 8.10am, is motivated by his recent victory in the Kenya Seed Golf Classic at the same venue in February.

Standard Group PLC Chief Executive Officer Orlando Lyomu is in the afternoon contingent comprising of club captain Nathan Tororei, Jack Tuwei and W.Sugut.

Lyomu is out to improve on his 33 points that saw him bag the staff prize in the leg last year as Tuwei won the best effort category on 16 points.

The tournament, whose theme is ‘ On the green course, for the green cause’ is so important to Tororei as it will mark his last day as the Eldoret Club skipper.

“I will hand over the mantle to the newly elected captain on Saturday. I’m glad to have hosted the Standard Group in Eldoret twice in less than a year during my tenure,” said Tororei.

Reigning circuit champion Wesley Kiprono will start his title defence at 11:50am alongside Anand Lakhani whose men’s longest drive victory earned him a one year Standard epaper free subscription.

Kiprono, who fired 40 points to be crowned the leg’s champion last season, is targeting to go beyond the score to cushion him from the expected stiff competition.

“I have worked on my short game; chips, putts and attacked the range in the course of the week to up my game. I feel confident that victory will once again be mine,” said Kiprono.

Andrew Chelogoi is the only pro in the tournament.

The participation of the Eldoret City Marathon chairman is meant to inspire other upcoming golfers in the series.

“As a professional golfer, I will not be handed the overall prize should I win the tournament, but I’m here to give the organisers and their partners the moral support needed since this championship is a noble event,” said Chelogoi.

Over 100 players, including those from nearby Njoro, Kitale and Bandi Bears clubs are expected to participate in the competition.

During the competition, exciting prizes from partners Eka Hotel (Eldoret) and Jambojet will be up for grabs.