Top amateurs parade for Coast Open

Muthaiga’s Kelly Gachaga in past action. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard].

Kenya’s top amateur golfers will flex their muscles in this year’s 2022 Coast Open “Barry Cup”  Championship that begin tomorrow, at the Par 71 Sea-Link Mombasa Golf course.

The two-day 36 holes strokes play event, which ends on Sunday, is the 102th edition of the championship at the club and has attracted some 100 top leading amateurs across the country with valid handicaps.

Unfortunately, Kenyan team that won the African Region IV championship last weekend in Uganda, will not be attending.

The team comprising home defending champion Adel Balala, John Lejirma of Railways, Dennis Maara from Limuru and Michael Karanga of Kiambu are training ahead of the 2022 Victoria Cup tournament to be played at Limuru Country Club, next weekend. Hosts Kenya will play Uganda.

Club captain James Gitonga said the management has worked round-the-clock to ensure the success of the event and assured golfers that the course is at its best condition.

“We are ready to host the championship and golfers should expect challenges around the course especially with the current strong winds from the nearby Indian Ocean, which could affect their swings,” said Gitonga.

He added that the event has received massive support from home golfers and an invite was extended to golfers from Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

The championship, which begun in 1913, is the most premier golfing event in the country held under the auspices of the Kenya Golf Union (KGU).

Here, golfers earn points as they seek qualification for the 2023 Magical Kenya Open.