Golf: Ondigo stars at Muthaiga

James Ondigo flipped from the 18 bunker to set himself up for a birdie putt and claim victory during the KNCCI Golf day at Muthaiga Club on Friday.

The Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry tournament was presented by Savannah Cement, Tata Group and Haco Industries among others.

Ondigo, playing off handicap 9, had a better second nine score of 20 Stableford points in addition to 17 Stableford points from the first nine for a round total of 37 Stableford points.

“It’s amazing,” said Ondigo after the presentation ceremony. “I can’t believe what I have just achieved, but you should never give up.

“The course was soggy, playing heavy all through. I just kept giving myself chances down the stretch and luckily played much better on the inward nine,” he added.

“I needed to hit a good approach shot on the 16 and I did just that. I needed to putt for par on the 17 and it worked. I badly needed a frozen flip shot on the 18 and luckily, I did it too. It was really a great golf outing for me.”

WON BRUNCH

For his victory, Ondigo won himself brunch for two at the Tribe Hotel.

Aman Sodi, playing off handicap 5, was the Men’s runner-up on a score of 37 (19+18) Stableford points, with handicap 6 Moses Kiragu settling for second runner-up position on a score of 37 (20+17) Stableford points.

Handicap 11 Mercy Wambugu picked the Ladies’ winner gong with 32 (16+16) Stableford points. Joyce Kioko claimed the second prize with 31 (13+18) Stableford points.

At the Thika Sports Club, handicap 19 Mary Wainaina won the Lady Bird medal presented by Easy water in the Silver nett category of (36, 42) 78.

Handicap 16 Betty Mutual was the Silver nett second prize winner with (40, 40) 80.

Grace Ngamau (handicap 24) on 80 nett (39, 41), claimed the Bronze nett prize while Naomi Kimata, playing off handicap 22, took the Bronze second on (41, 40) 81 nett.

Judy Waihenya, playing off handicap 19, was the Silver Gross winner with 107 points and Margaret Maina, (handicap 26) won the Bronze Gross prize with 109 points.

In the Men’s subsidiary, handicap 26 H Karanja played 3-under (34, 35) 69 nett to win. Dominic Maina, playing off handicap 27, took the second prize on (38, 34) 72 nett.

Handicap 19 Moses Mburu settled for third place on a score of (37, 35) 72 nett. [Mose Sammy]