Celebrations galore as Mwangangi claims KPA golf title in Machakos

Maurice Monni in action at Machakos golf club during the Kenya Ports authority golf day, March 4, 2017. PHOTO: MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD R -Charles Odoo celebrates after sinking a 20 foot putt on the 18th par-5 at the Machakos golf club, on Saturday. [PHOTO: MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD]

David Mwangangi is the winner of the inaugural Kenya Ports Authority golf tournament.

Mwangangi braved scorching sun that had been threatening to wither the fairways as he posted a sterling score of 44 (21+23) stableford point to claim the prize at Machakos Golf Club over the weekend.

On the front nine, he sunk three pars, five double bogeys, scratched a single hole for 21 stableford points at the turn.

He topped this with 23 more stableford points from the back nine playing one birdie, three pars four bogeys and a one double-bogey to prevail over a sizable field of 83 golfers.

This was the first event under the KPA golf calendar this year and KPA board member Valentine Mwakamba, who represented the managing director Catherine Mturi-Wairi at the awards ceremony, said the authority will construct a swimming pool for the club as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

The win saw his handicap chopped by four from 21 to 17, as Alex Ndolo (handicap 25) 42 stableford points, was the member winner, Mutua Kitulu (handicap 10) 40 stableford points was member runner-up, Joseph Kombo (handicap 26) 37 stableford points was member third and Joseph Githeu (handicap 19) 37 stableford points was member fourth.

Lady captain Jennifer Ngure playing off (handicap 15), was the lady winner with 30 stableford points. Susan Ndolo was the Lady runner-up on 28 stableford points.

Linus Kowiti, playing off handicap 20, claimed the guest winner prize on a score of 39 points, while handicap 6, A Omooria carded 35 stableford points to take guest runner-up spot, beating guest third winner M Kinuthia on countback with a similar score of 35 stableford points.

KPA staff prize went to handicap 16 Yobesh Oyaro, who had 39 points, handicap 18 Charles Odoo was staff runner-up on 38 stableford points, while J Obonyo, playing off handicap 15, was staff winner third, with 26 stableford points. Terry Odoo, playing off handicap 14, bagged the Staff third with 26 points.

Ben Mumo's tee shot came to rest under the 200 yard marker on the 18th par-5 that plays 515 yards, which saw him bag men's Longest drive prize, as Terry Odoo claimed a double as she took the Longest drive prize in the ladies category.

At the Ruiru Sports Club, handicap 18 Josphat Kaunda won the Lady captains overall prize, handicap 18 Fredrick Mburu was second, while handicap 24 Michael Chege was third

In Sigona, handicap 23 Sanji Mohamed on 41, won the Pidolia & friends overall prize, handicap 23 Sheng Guang on 40 points was runner-up, while handicap 26 D. Nabukenya took the overall third on 40.

The trio of Russel, Mary Fox and Fiona won the Karen Country Club Ladies invitational overall prize on a score of 41 stableford points, Gacheru, Betty Gechaga and Kellie were runner-up, with Waiganjo, Njoki Muhire and Noni taking overall third on 37 stableford points. Vincent Martha closed the prize bracket with 35 stableford points.

At the Thika Sports Club, James Wangai won the men monthly mug on 77-06=71 net, Duncan Ndungu was second on 76 -04= 72 net, while David Matano closed on 79-05=75 net.

At the Kiambu ladies medal tournament, Kariuki Gathu on 92-21=71 net was the overall winner.