Golf: Sigh, Kiguta reign in Standard County Golf classisc at Nyeri

By SAMMY MOSE

Baldev Singh braved the chilly weather to emerge victorious at the seventh edition of the Standard County Classic Golf at the Nyeri Golf Club course, Nyeri County, on Saturday.

Singh, playing off handicap 13, posted 21points in the first nine before posting a similar number of points in the subsequent nine for a total of 42 stableford points to beat a field of 76 golfers in the day-long tournament that was graced by seasoned golfers.

“It is as a result of persistence in my quest to succeed that I made it to the top of today’s duel. I appeal to junior players to take up golfing seriously. It is unfortunate there are no junior golfers in today’s tournament,” said Singh.

Nishit Desai, playing off handicap 13, was the men’s runner up on 40 stableford points. Desai posted 16 points in the first nine before adding another 24 in the second nine.   Handicap 13 John Nderi, who was third on 40 points (21,19) lost on countback to Desai.

The gross winner prize went to Mwangi Gathu playing off handicap 80 on 32 (15,17) points. In the caddies’ category, P Gichoi posted 38 points to emerge the winner. He was followed by P Ndegwa on 37 points in second position and Phillip Ndegwa who registered 36 points.

Secured ladies medal

Pauline Kiguta secured the ladies medal after posting 37 stableford points.

Playing off handecap 32, Kiguta posted 17 points in the first nine and another 20 points in the second nine for a total of 37 points.

Stella Mwangi, playing off handicap seven, was the runner up on 33 points. Mwangi registered 16 points in the first nine and another 17 in the subsequent nine.

Florence Gathu, playing off handicap 19, finished third on 32 points (15, 17).

Longest drive

Longest drive prize went to Mercy Mburu in the ladies category, while the men’s longest drive winner was D Weru.

C Thinwa, playing off handicap 17, took the prize for best effort with the nearest to pin award taken by Dr Mburu.

The first nine winner was    Richard Kabugi on 19 points. Kabugi was playing off handicap 17. Second nine winner was Martin Mungai who posted 21 points. Mungai was playing off handicap 26.

“I wish to request the the Standard Group to kindly   partner with Kenya Golf Union in promoting the junior golfing in the country so as to nurture talent,” said captain of Nyeri Golf Club Joel Githanda.

“We appreciate your sponsorship in this tournament for it has displayed great organisational skills and commitment to the promotion of golf as a sport,” he added.

Meanwhile, it only took four holes over two days for Dustin Johnson to lose a six-shot lead in the HSBC Champions. Though all that mattered was the high-powered kick down the stretch yesterday at Sheshan International that brought him the biggest win of his career, adds AP.

In what felt like the end of a long year and beginning of a new season, Johnson broke loose from a three-way battle on the back nine by playing a five-hole stretch in 5-under par.

He closed with a 6-under 66 for a three-shot win over Ian Poulter to capture his first World Golf Championship title.

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