Chelimo conquers golfers in Kenya Seed tournament in Eldoret

Kenya Seed Company Managing Director Fred Oloibe. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Dominic Chelimo won the overall title in this year’s Kenya Seed Golf tournament at the Eldoret Golf Club, on Saturday.

Playing off handicap 24 in a field of 124 registered golfers, he had 23 stableford points in his first nine, before winding up with 20 points in the second nine, for a total of 43 points.

“I thank God for the good result. I achieved all these after efforts of endless practice. I really enjoyed the game which started at 8:30am in a group of four golfers. What really encouraged me was that I was playing with guys who have enviable experience, but I managed to beat them,” said Chelimo.

“Even though I scooped the title, I have never played in the morning, but I found it more enjoyable and from that experience, I’m now looking forward to lowering my handicap from 24 to under 10.”

He was followed closely by his teammate Jenah Jepchirchir, who was second with 41 points.

Others who participated in the event included Satwinder Sago, Michael Rotich, Gracemary Karira, Mildred Natecho, Stephen Matakwen and Geoffrey Kitiwa.

Others in top 20 include, Jr Nderito, Niral Shar of Kitale, Isaac Ruto, Elly Barno of Nandi bears, Stephen Isoe, Mathew Koech, Florence Murgor, Elijah Ombogo and Mike Arusei, among others.

The soft-spoken golfer said he was not under any pressure while playing with his senior colleagues.

He called upon the youth to take up the sport.

“The most important thing for those who are not aware about golf is that the sport is more of a practice session just like going for gym sessions,” he said.

Kenya Seed Company Managing Director Fred Oloibe said they decided to hold the golf tournament in Uasin Gishu because it’s one of their biggest markets in North Rift region.

“This golf tournament is the first event this year as the company is on a revamp of its activities,” said Oloite.