Kamiri wins KAA meet at Thika Greens

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Chairman Caleb Kositany (left) presents the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Golf Tournament Overall prize to the overall winner Joseph Kamiri (right) during the presentation gala at Thika Greens Golf Resort December 9, 2023. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

A desire to keep safe from the unforgiving rough saw Joseph Kamiri amass a whooping 44 stableford points to win the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) golf tournament over the weekend.

Playing off handicap 19, Kamiri bagged the super prize at the expansive par-72, Thika Greens Golf Resort (TGGR) tilting, 7643 yards.

He navigated the long and tough playing course with caution to ink the winning score and beat a field of 187 golfers with the privilege of shaking hands with the day's sponsor.

"I had a lovely round despite the mummers that the course was playing difficult to most of the players. I wanted to play safe and stay on the fairway," he said.

"This course is unforgiving if you veer off into the rough and one would end up losing stroke if you commit careless mistakes." 

On an equally superb score of 42 stableford points, George Wamae, playing off handicap 22, was declared the Men winner.

Erastus Ndung'u, handicap 27, was the men winner second, while handicap 10, Anthony Muita took home Men winner third prize on a similar score of 41 stableford points.

Visiting lady golfer Doris Knight, from Kenya Railway Golf Club, donned the Ladies' gong on an enviable score of 43 stableford points. Winning Lady winner second prize was Jackline Sirai, who carded 40 stableford points while playing off handicap 18.

Magdaline Mbugua was the Lady winner third on a score of 38 stableford points.

Best among KAA staff was Judith Kimeu, playing off handicap 51, after returning a score of 29 stableford points.

Among the hosts, Thika Greens Golf Resort(TGGR) member winner prize went to John Ngugi, playing off handicap 18.

The Subsidiary Man winner prize was won by Samuel Irungu, on a score of 50 stableford points off handicap 31, with the Subsidiary Lady winner prize going to Caroline Muruga with 44 stableford points off handicap 42.

Winning the First Nine was a handicap 14, John Kibet with 23 stableford points with handicap 39, Margaret Ngugi taking the Second Nine prize on 95 Nett.

Kenya Railway Golf Club Captain Edward Manywanda won the Longest Drive Men winner prize, while Shirley Cheptoo, was concerted with the Longest Drive Lady winner prize.

Nearest to the Pin Men winner prize was won by Mburu Mwangi. It was a dual victory for Shirley Cheptoo upon claiming Nearest to the Pin Lady winner prize.

A handicap 42, Stephen Kinyanjui won the Best Effort prize on a meagre score of 17 stableford points after strutting the course for four hours.

Earlier on Friday in the Pros category, Golf Parks, Tony Omuli was over the moon after firing a round total of 4-under-68, to win the lion's share of the Sh300plus prize fund.

Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resorts' Mtumishi Justas Madoya came in second at 3-under-69 as Mike Kisia from VetLab shot 1-under-71 for a third-place finish. 

Kenya Airports Authority Chairman Caleb Kositany expressed gratitude for the remarkable sportsmanship displayed during the meet by, both amateur and professional golfers who graced it.

"At KAA, we recognize the integral role of sports, particularly golf, in uniting diverse industries, fostering networking, and creating opportunities for lasting partnerships," Kositany said.