Gachomba's walk in wilderness ends with Chairman's prize

Naivasha Sports Club chairman Ibrahim Karanja (left) presents the overall prize to Moses Gachomba. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Newbie Moses Gachomba's thirst for victory saw him deliver a fine score of 39 stableford points to clinch the Chairman's prize at the lakeside Naivasha Sports Club over the weekend.

Gachomba, who started playing the gentleman's game a year ago, was over the moon with his win having been to various courses across the country in pursuit of the elusive greatness.

"Within the past one, I've been to several courses hoping to win something, but all in vain but it is a wonderful and great feeling to have nabbed our Chairman's prize here at home," Gachomba said.

Despite Naivasha Sports Club's sister clubs hosting major tournaments, NSC still attracted a decent field of 79 golfers to bid farewell to outgoing chairman Ibrahim Karanja, who has served the club in various positions and has been instrumental in its monumental strides.

Karanja has overseen the club's transformation from browns to greens, installation of an electric fence to fend off destructive wildlife, solar panels, renovation works on the 100-year-old club as well as putting in place a billing system to curb pilferage of its revenue streams.

He was also at the forefront in ensuring the club's membership increased from a paltry 150 to over 400 members.

The tournament was presented by Superior Hotels, Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp and Kibali School.

Others were, Gold Gas, Besa Logo, Hon Jayne Kihara and Friends of the Chairman.

For his victory, Chomba combined 19 stableford points from his outward nine with 20 stableford points from the inward nine for a winning score of 39 stableford points.

He had two pars, nine bogeys, five double bogeys, one triple bogey and a lone scratch-off handicap 28.

Unsuccessfully chasing Chomba to the podium was James Kahutu who won the men's winner prize on a score of 37 stableford points off handicap 10.

He beat Men winner second, handicap 15, Ronnie Muraya, on countback while John Mungai settled for Men winner third with 36 stableford points. Benson Njogu came in fourth also on 36 stableford points.

Outshining the rest in the ladies' category was Jane Gikonyo, playing off handicap 35

She reaped 39 stableford points. Grace Gathungu was the Lady winner second on a score of 32 stableford points, while Rose Gathii was easy with the Lady winner third prize with 30 stableford points.

Handicap 27, Simon Gichuki emerged as the Guest winner on a score of 35 stableford points. Anne Ngumba was second with 33 stableford points as Father Peterson Ndegwa took Guest winner third prize on a score of 30 stableford points.

In the commercials, James Kahutu made it a brace and claimed the Longest Drive Men prize with Anne Ngumba taking the Longest Drive Lady winner prize.

John Mungai won Nearest to the Pin as the skies opened up with showers ahead of next week's Kengen tournament.