Wesley Muthaura heads back to school with victory

Wesley Muthaura tees off on the par-4 10th during the Year Opener Golf tournament at the par-72 Nakuru Golf Club, January 2, 2021. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Youngster Wesley Muthaura carded a round total of 45 stableford points to win 2021 Year Opener tournament at the par-72 Nakuru Golf Club course over the weekend.

Playing off handicap 14, Muthaura chalked his pars on the opener, a par-four, par-four second hole, fifth (a par-five), par-four sixth and the par-four seventh holes.

He also inked two deserved birdies on the par-four third and par-four eighth hole with his first double-bogey coming in on the par-five ninth hole.

After the halfway mark, he seemed to run out of steam as he picked his second bogey on the par-four 10th but saved face with a par on the par-four 11th hole.

He then birdied the par-four 12th hole before suffering temporary “birdiosis” which saw him card his second and last double-bogey for the day on the par-five 13th hole.

Muthaura bounced back with two successive pars on the par-four 14th and par-three 15th holes. He then had two back-to-back bogeys on the par-five 16th and par-three 17th holes before sinking a par on the homestretch, par-five 18th hole.

It was the best back to school present for Wesley, who resumes his studies today, after a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic that saw learning suspended since March last year.

Muthaura said; “I was feeling confident with my swings and didn’t think or doubt myself through the 18 holes. I was targeting to play single handicap before going back to school. The encouragement and support I have received from my parents, fellow juniors of our club, is bearing fruits.”

“It also felt nice to defeat my father and brother. At least, I got the first laugh of the year because we’ve always been so competitive whenever we are in a tournament. I’m delighted to have got the first win of the year and hopefully, more will follow,” added Muthaura.

Muthaura [Mose Sammy, Standard]

At Kakamega Sports Club, handicap 24 Bishop Simon Oketch won Lady Captain’s prize on a score of 42 stableford points. Ranjinder Sembi, playing off handicap 24, took the Men winner prize on a score of 36 stableford points.

Handicap 25 Rosemary Angote was the Lady winner with 38 stableford points while Janet Wasike settled for Lady winner second on a score of 33 stableford points.

Nandi Bears Club’s Wilson Chepkwony was Guest winner on a score of 37 stableford points.

At Kenya Railway Golf Club, handicap 20 Laban Gathungu won the Saturday Casino top prize.