Youngster Wangari crowned 2021 Ladies Amateur Match Play champ

14-year old Chanelle Wangari in action [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Africa’s top ranked Kenyan Junior Golfer Chanelle Wangari is the 2021 Ladies Amateur Match play Champion after her victory at Vet Lab Sports Club, at the weekend.

Wangari defeated Naomi Wafula 2 ups to emerge the overall winner in the final of the two-day tourney organised by the Kenya Ladies Golf Union.

Wangari sailed to the final after beating Nancy Wairimu 5-4 in the semifinal while Wafula was 1 up  against Mercy Nyanchama.

Mwongeli Nzioka wast the Division A overall winner on 4-3 against Rachel Ndei, who was the runner-up.

Mary Chebukati won the Division B category after beating Jennifer Karingu 1 up.

Other winners were-Foursome champion: Florence Kamau and Jane Alice Mutuota-34points, runner-up: Mary Muthoni and Joan Kiengo-32points, subsidiary A Division winner: Rosemary Mkok (19)-33points, C/Subsidiary A Division runner-up-Sarah Hoare (17)-33points, Subsidiary A Division third:Ashley Awour (9)-32points, Subsidiary B Division winner: Nelius Kariuki (26)-37points and Subsidiary B Division runner-up: Rosemary Olonde (30)-36points.

“Being in school, means not having enough time to practice but for the past week heading into the tournament, I took a few days off and put emphasis on my putting. I’m happy it paid off with the win,” said the 14-year-old.

Tournament conveners decried the low turnout, appealing to lady golfers not to shy away from participating in such competitions.

14-year old Chanelle Wangari playing off handicap 3, of Vetlab Sports Club is 2021 Kenya Ladies Amateur Match play Champion after edging out handicap 2, Naomi Wafula, 2-up during the final round played at the par-72, Vetlab Sports Club layout, September 5, 2021. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

“The standard of ladies golf needs to improve. Training alone is not enough. Practice is crucial, golf is muscle memory, where needed ladies may also engage their preferred golf pro. Ladies should not settle for high handicaps,” said KLGU Chairman Sarah Hoare.

At the Kenya Railways Golf course, handicap 13 Mukundi Muthusi carded 81 gross to emerge the  Gross winner in the 15-years and over category for the handicapped during the 2021 Kenya Railways Golf Club Junior Golf Competition.