Kenya Golf Union names team to Region IV tourney

Simon Njogu makes a swing. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

The Kenya golf union (KGU ) has named a four-man team to represent Kenya in this year’s  2019  annual Region IV golf tournament expected to be played in Burundi’s capital city of Bujumbura.

The team leaves on Tuesday 4th June 2019 where they will participate in the tourney with other five countries from East Africa namely Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia and hosts Burundi.

Team Kenya that will be seeking to regain its lost glory will be battling out for the coveted Region IV trophy formerly known as East Africa Challenge that takes place from Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th June 2019.

The Format of play in Day one will be a Stroke Play competition, Day two is Foursomes and Singles while Day three will be Foursomes and Singles again.

The four-man team consists of two senior players Simon Njogu from Great Rift Valley Golf Resort’s and Kenya Railway’s Samuel Njoroge while the two top juniors are Zubair Khan of Muthaiga and Club mate Mutahi Kibugu.

The team was selected based on the current Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) ranking and Junior Order of Merit.

The team will be accompanied by the newly elected Chairman of Kenya Golf Union Anthony Murage and the Tournament Director Ben Omuodo.

“We will go down in history for hosting the Inaugural Region IV tournament which was held in Nyali last year,” said Murage

“I have full confidence with the team which has been training for the last few weeks under the leadership of team coach John Van LiefLand and is ready to beat the defending Champions, Team Uganda,” Omuodo.

Last year Kenya watched helplessly at Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa as arch-rivals Uganda beat Rwanda to claim the inaugural title.

Tanzania finished fourth and Ethiopia fifth while Burundi, Seychelles and DR Congo ended the tournament in that order.

Uganda Golf Union President, Innocent Kihika said yesterday his boys have trained well and ready to defend the title.

The par 71 Bujumbura golf club (BGC)  known as ‘golf club de Bujumbura’ is the only golf club in Burundi covering 5464 yards for men and 4763 yards for ladies.

It was established in 1965 and generally caters for a group of diverse golfers from Burundi and outside the country.

Meanwhile, at the Nandi Bears, golf course on Saturday handicap 21  carded  39 points to win the 2019 Ngao Credit tourney.

Handicap 24 Simon Miningwo beat Peter Terer to the second position on countback after both tied on 38 points each.

Utilities;

……The Region IV tournament is a prestigious Annual Golf competition in East Africa.

……The Inaugural tournament was held in 2018 in Kenya.

……It involves the members of the East Africa Community.

……Competing countries include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia.

…...Each country has four players.

……Defending Champions team Uganda aims to retain the title.

…..Bujumbura golf course is the only course in Burundi.

Other  results;

Ruiru;

Key To the Door;

Lady winner-Wambui Rugu (22)-69nett, Lady runners up-Edith Ngugi (30)-70nett, Men winner-Eliakim Maina (20)-40pts, Men runners up-Francis Ndegwa (20)-38pts, Guest winner-John Omanwa (16)-39pts;

Vet Lab;

Rotary Club of Nairobi;

Overall winner-Samson Mwangi (18)-38pts, Men winner-J. M. Mwaura (16)-38pts, Men runners up-Robert Odero (05)-37pts, Lady winner-Mary Karano (09)-33pts, Guest winner-N. Cokar (21)-34pts, Senior winner-Kamal Shah (23)-31pts, Junior winner-Steve Orinda (05)-37pts, Nearest the pin-Andrew Thuku;