Golf: Rare double bogey gives Nduati memorable victory

Mombasa County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo (left), outgoing Mombasa Golf Club’s Chairman Symon Wambugu and winner Elvis Nduati. [Gideon Maundu, Standard]

Home club’s Elvis Nduati sank a double bogey for 38 stableford points to emerge the overall winner of the Mombasa Golf Club’s Chairman (Symon Wambugu) 2019 Prize golf tournament at the Club’s par 71 Sea-link course in Mombasa County, at the weekend.

The handicap 23 golfer’s victory came after sinking two rare birdies at the par four-first hole and par three-12th with additional three pars against a mixed bogey shots in the rest of both nines to claim the overall trophy.

“I thank God and my partners for their support in winning this event. I concentrated on my balls and the course was playing well. I am sure I will retain the trophy in the same event next year,” said Nduati.

Six golfers from Rwanda’s Kigali Golf club led by Andrew Kulayige vice captain Brian Kirundi and Gangaho Gentil were among 100 players who attended the one-day 18-hole stableford tournament that was organised by the Club to bid farewell to the Club’s outgoing Chairman Symon Wambugu.

President Uhuru Kenyatta was the main sponsor for the second time after he came on board  for the club in last year’s Ladies Coast Open.

Others were KCB, EABL, Triceps, Management Solutions, Chai Trading, Shikara Limited, Family Bank, Kericho Gold and Friends of the captain.

Handicap 15 Mburu Kariuki, on a countback score of 36 points, was the Men winner after tying on points with handicap 07 club mate Qambar Somji, who was the runner-up.

Handicap 13 Mburu Mwangi, on a countback score of 35 points, was third. Fiona Mbandi, playing off handicap 34, claimed the lady’s title on 33 points while handicap 29 Christine Kinyeru was the lady runner-up on 31 points. [Standard Sports]

Handicap 36 Mwai Mariga, on 21 points and handicap 19 Elijah Ibua, were the junior and Senior winners respectively.

Eric Nyogesa, playing off handicap 07, posted 30 points to win the Past Chairman Prize, while handicap 14 Rwandese golfer Gentil Kangoha posted 24 points to win the Best Kigali Golf Club prize.

Other winners were Nyali’s handicap 19 Deepak Maru, who won the guest prize on 34 points, while Swaleh Omar, on 42 points and Veronica Wairumu on 32 points, were the Best caddy man and the same for Lady respectively.

Wambugu thanked President Uhuru, other sponsors, golfers and club members for their support and urged them to accord the same to the incoming office bearers.