Lawyer Kariuki swings to victory in Sanlam golf

Mburu Kariuki follows his swing during the Sanlam Insurance golf tournament. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

Mombasa-based lawyer Mburu Kariuki carded 41 stableford points but survived to triumph through a countback score to emerge the overall winner of the 2021 Sanlam Insurance golf tournament at the par 71 Nyali Golf and Country Club, in Mombasa, on Saturday.

The handicap 15 Kariuki posted 15 and 22 points in both nines for the lead score, to bag his first major victory in as many months as he beat a field of 174 golfers in the day-long tournament that was sponsored by Sanlam Insurance Company.

“I thank Sanlam company for the sponsorship, my playing partners and the Club. I am grateful to have won the event and confident that I will definitely defend the prize next year,” said Kariuki.

He tied on the same score with handicap 24 Jamal Soud, who was the Men winner, while handicap 17, Bernard Simiyu, was the Men runner-up on a countback score of 40 points after tying on points with handicap 21 Charles, who finished third.

Handicap 14 Mary Kandu won the Ladies prize with 39 points (16-23) while handicap 28 Provia Odhiambo was the runner-up on 36 points.

Sanlam’s Group Chief Executive Officer Patrick Tumbo, playing off handicap 30, carded 36 points (17-19) to win the Staff prize.

Sanlam's Group CEO Patrick Tumbo awards Mary Kandu at the end of the Sanlam Insurance golf tournament, in Mombasa, at the weekend. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard].

Other winners were (27) Bharat Chaniyara, who was the Best Senior with 36points, Guest winner-Thomas Bisonga (26)-30 points, junior winner-Ally Is-Haq (22)-34points, Longest Drive Men-George Munyao, Longest Drive Lady-Susan Stokes and Nearest To Pin winner-Christine Ockotch. Eight-year-old Aydan Jamal, playing off handicap 33, had the day’s best score of 42 points (22-20) and was crowned the winner of the High Handicappers.

At the Karen Country Club, top three pairs qualified for the World International Pairs golf tournament.

The players are Sigona’s Kush Shah and Chand Shah, who led with a score of 49 points, Kericho’s  Erick Mutai and Julius Rono with 47 points and Sigona’s pair of Jay Varia and Grutej Phull, who were third, with 47 points.