Limuru offensive: Ligale wins at Standard Group County Golf Classic

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Elizabeth Gitobu makes a chip from a bunker during the second leg of the Standard Classic County Golf Series at Limuru Club on Saturday.

Bryan Ligale posted 43 stableford points to win the second leg of the annual Standard Group County Golf Classic series at the par 71 Limuru Golf Club on Saturday.

The handicap 18 Limuru Club golfer posted 22 points in the first nine before adding another 21 in the second nine to beat a large field of 220 golfers at the event.

Ligale, who plays golf only once a week, told FeverPitch: 

“I do a lot of gym work; I run a lot and take part in any activity that gets me fit. Currently, I am on a half a marathon training schedule. I just realised if you combine golf with fitness you can never miss to perform well.” 

With the victory, Ligale lowered his handicap from 18 to   16. Apart from praising the Standard Group tournament as well organised, Ligale said it was fun and an easy game for him to win.

CLEAR WEATHER

“The greens were welcoming, the weather was clear and overhead sun was not scorching. The fairways were spongy and easy to play,” Ligale said.

Even though he was not ready for the tournament, Ligale, who was glad to have been invited to the tournament by his friend, was grateful to have played with an equally inspiring team, who pushed him in the course of play.

Handicap 13 Noni Muhire lifted the ladies category title with 36 points while handicap 16 J Murigu emerged the lady runner up with 33 points on count back after tying on the same points with Lucy Njuguna and MN Nyakango.

Standard Group Finance Director Orlando Lyomu praised Limuru Country Club saying: “The hospitality here is unmatched and the turn up was impressive. We also had a great time sampling the coveted sweet Limuru tea,” said Lyomu.

NATURAL BARRIERS

Even though the course was inviting, the players had challenges maneuvering holes three, five and 15 that had natural barriers.

“Holes three and five slopes naturally downward to the dam and  are relatively tricky due to the tall trees around them, they are definitely a good test to any self respecting golfer who is out to take  his game to the next level,” noted William Kamau, Limuru Club General Manager.

While summarising his experience about the Saturday contest in Limuru, golf consultant John Ngaruiya said: “It was a colourful event, the course was best with its challenging bunkers, the weather was conducive due to the rains, creating a greenish panoramic view.”          —[email protected]

OVERALL RESULTS 

1. Overall winner: Bryan Ligale                                                   43

2. Men winner: J.N Mukui 40     

3. Men runner up: David Waiganjo 40

4. Men third: George Nganda  38

5. Men fourth: John Paul  38

6. Lady winner: Noni Muhire 36

7. Lady runner up: J.Murigu 33

8. First Nine winner: Robert Barua 23

9. Second Nine winner: K.Nzioki 20

10. Staff winner: Salim Bwika 20

11. Guest winner: H.Kinyua 36

12. Guest Runner up: A.Maina   35

13. Guest third: K.Njuguna 35

14. Junior winner: A.Murigu 28

15. Longest Drive men: John Ngugi

16. Longest Drive lady: Y.Wettstein

17. Nearest to pin men: Joe Muchekehu

18. Nearest to pin lady: Liz Kingori