Warui lifts Mt Kenya trophy in Nanyuki

Vihaan Khilan tees off the par-three ninth hole during Mt Kenya Junior Golf Championship at Nanyuki Sports Club in Laikipia. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Joseph Warui,17, fired a round total of 88 gross to lift the Mount Kenya Junior Golf Championship overall title on Sunday.

Warui who was playing in the age group 16 and 21 years had the last laugh after beating a field of 60 junior golfers drawn from the triangular circuit comprising host Nanyuki Sports Club, Nyeri Club and Nyahururu Sports Club.

Six age sets, six years and below, seven to eight years, nine to ten years, 11 to 12 years, 13 to 15 years and 16 to 21-year categories participated during the meet presented by Brickwoods Schools - Nanyuki.

In his pool, Warui triumphed with a combined 43 and 45 for a round total of 88 to star over Sam Alpha 57+62=119 gross, Mick Mugo 65+56=121 gross, Will Wambugu 89+72=161 gross, Andres Ngotho 72+63=134 gross and Calton on 57+54=111 gross in the age group 16 to 21 years.

Leading in the age group 13 to 15 years was Lincoln Nderi of Nyeri Golf Club after posting 84 gross ahead of Daniel Njunge with 45+45=90 gross finishing second, Samuel Thirikwa was third on 61+60=121 gross.

Finishing fourth was Alex Kamande with 52+53=105 gross as Henry Kungu of Nyeri Golf Club settled for fifth place with 58+56=114 gross. Nicollet Wahome was sixth with 97 gross after nine holes.

In the age group 11-12 years, Darsh Khilan exhibited a dash of class as he topped the group with 44 gross ahead of clubmate Kamuiru Nyaga who managed 47 gross as home girl Kavithe Kabugi came in third with 49 gross after nine holes.

Nyeri team had a great outing sweeping most of the age group trophies, claiming the age group nine to 10 years overall prize through Jame Nderitu 42 gross and Margaret Muthoni 67 gross in the both boys and girls categories respectively.

Junior Trevor Njoroge of Nanyuki Sports Club won in age seven to eight years with 43 gross as his teammate Abigael Wambui bagged the honours in the girls' category with 35 gross.

For the youngest competitor, age pitting age six and below, Ivan Nyamu led the pack with 17 gross as Gakenia Kabui won in the girls' section with 25 gross.

Speaking during the award presentations ceremony, the sponsor said that sports is key in providing young ones with an all-round approach to life.

"We have gotten to a point where we need to use sports to educate and mould young ones. As Brickwoods Schools - Nanyuki, we've taken up golf to advance this cause and will be sponsoring this tournament in Nanyuki annually," said Francis Mathenge who is the schools director.

The championship has so far been held in Nyahururu and Nanyuki and will next be held at Nyeri Club in August.

"So far, this has been the best tournament in terms of attendance, competitiveness and level of discipline among the juniors and as Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) we are glad that we are growing the game in the region through such partnerships with Brickwoods Schools - Nanyuki and appeal to others to support the growth of the game of golf within Mt Kenya region," Baldev Singh, JGF Mt Kenya Representative said.