Chelimo hoping to continue fairy tale run at Eldoret Club

Elgeyo Marakwet County Governor Alex Tolgos (right) presents the overall award to Dominic Chelimo after winning Kenya Seed Company Golf Tournament at the Eldoret Club in Eldoret Uasin Gishu County on Saturday 19 February 2022. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Dominic Chelimo of Eldoret Club was introduced to the game of golf just seven months ago.

Since then, his star has been steadily rising in the sport.

Within that short period, Chelimo has raked a major victory by lifting the opening leg of the Kenya Seed Golf Classic series at his home club in February. He made another podium finish by coming third in the KenGen Golf at the same course last month.

The 34-year old has also managed to slash his handicap to a whooping margin of 19.

This meteoric rise has inspired the father of two who will be out to look for another silverware in the second leg of the 2022 Standard County Golf Classic Series to be held in Eldoret tomorrow.

The championships supports sustainable actions on climate change under the theme ‘On the Green Course, for the Green Cause’.

“I will be taking part in the event for the second time. I didn’t perform well on my debut last October, my results were nothing to write home about,” Chelimo told Standard Sports.

Even though his amazing form has dipped due work commitments that has seen him miss step on the pitch in the last two weeks, Chelimo is determined to get his groove back ahead of the tee off.

“I have been busy with my job lately and this has made me feel a little bit off beat, but now I’m free. Since Monday, I have been spending enough time on the course aligning my shots,” said Chelimo who has plans to incorporate gym sessions in his work outs soon.

“My strategy is to work on my short game, this was the secret to my first ever victory in the sport two months ago. I’m also spending enough time on the greens to perfect my shots.”

Another strategy that Chelimo is working on ahead of this weekend’s tournament is his chippings as he doesn’t intend to waste shots in the bunkers and any other imposing barrier.

“I’m also hitting the range to strengthen my tee-shots. I have felt the course and I can say it’s fair enough to give me victory,” he said.

Chelimo believes the tournament will unearth potential talents within the Uasin Gishu County as there are many young players in the region who greatly needs exposure.

“Apart from playing, we expect to strengthen our social networks during the competition,” he said.

Eldoret Club chairman Nathan Tororei says over 100 players are expected to grace the tournament.

Other players to watch include the leg’s defending champion Wesley Kiprono, handicap 13 Mercy Karonei and Esther Chumo Barorot who is currently enjoying a fine run of form.