Kaara has last laugh on Kabugi at Njuri Ncheke Golf Festival

Philip Ngaru in action during Njuri Ncheke Golf Festival tournament at Nanyuki Sports Club on August 13. [Mose Sammy]

It was a tight race to the podium as curtains fell on the week-long Njuri Ncheke Golf Festival at the par-69 Nanyuki Sports Club course tilting 2785 yards.

Kiama Kaara had the last laugh as he clinched the overall title of the main category on an enviable score of stableford points beating Richard Kabugi on countback to secure the win over the weekend.

Kiama, who had been challenged earlier by his daughter Samara to at least have his name etched on the many boards at the club wall of fame, fought his way to be the winner of the 31st edition of the tournament.

“I was asked by my daughter Samara Wahu why my name is not on the boards and promised her that it will soon be among them. I just showed up, played and won!” Kiama said.

In his classic comical mien, Kiama told her he was going to win an iron box.  

“My first tee-shot was amazing and I made a par on the opening hole and that was a sign of good tidings and everything fell into place as I was urged on by my flight consisting of Mwaniki Mwariri, Wamiti Gathogo and Consolata," he said.

After the halfway banda, he faltered picking a double-bogey on the 10th, picking successive bogeys on the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th holes before winding up the 18th hole with a lone par for a final round total of 37 stableford points.

Kabugi was over the moon as Men winner despite missing out on the main prize. Githinji Gachai came in third on a score of 36 stableford points with Cyprian Bundi taking Men winner second on a score of 35 stableford points.

Settling for Men's winner prize was Club Captain William Njoroge on a score of 35 stableford points.

Hard-hitting Charles Rop playing in handicap -1 was a gross winner with 76 gross points.

In category B, Handicap 31, Samuel Mwangi bagged the overall winner prize on a score of 32 stableford points.

Lady winner prize was won by Miriam Mwangi playing off handicap 37 who hauled in 45 stableford points.

Winner of the nines were Ignacio Burrull with 18 stableford points on the First nine and Njeru Mwangi who carded 20 stableford points on the Second nine.