Golf: Balala takes lead in Kenya Amateur Strokeplay event

After two days of round play, Ade Balala of Mombasa registered -5 to take an early lead in the first 36 holes with a similar round still unaccomplished in the par 72 Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championships at Nakuru Golf Club yesterday.

The last two rounds will be played today and tomorrow.

Balala beat a field of 96 players who include accomplished opponents from six countries; United States of America, Rwanda, Burundi, Dubai, Uganda and Kenya.

Kenya dominated the first two days with Balala's close opponent being Michel Karanga of Kiambu Golf Club who posted -4 ahead of John Legirma of Railways posting -2 in the the 72 hole tournament that ends tomorrow.

Kenya Golf Union (KGU) have held the tournament outside Nairobi for the first time in 35 years and Nakuru Golf Club chairman Steve Kihumba was a happy man for the honour bestowed on the club.

"We are happy to have been the first club to have been granted the opportunity to host the tournament and it is a great honour for players in the region. Hopefully, this is going to an annual event," said Kihumba.

Nakuru Golf Club captain Luther Kamau said the tournament was tricky despite the lead by the home-based players.

"It is a tough competition despite the early lead shown by Kenyan-based players," said Kamau who finished the sixth yesterday.

"Hopefully I might very soon turn professional if things go right."

Meanwhile, the 'Windsor Mashujaa Day Mixed Competition' by the lady section will be staged at Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, Nairobi today.

The tournament is open to the Windsor Club members and invited friends from other clubs. The main prize of the hole in one is the 2019 Hyundai Tucson donated by Ceatano Kenya who are the official car dealer of Hyundai in Kenya.