Nderi hits it to the top in Nyeri

Britam Golf tournament Nearest to Pin winner Gedi Mohamed in action at Nyeri Golf Club, August 26, 2023. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Donning his signature blue and white flower print Polo shirt, Angelus Nderi claimed his first major win after a protracted trophy drought at the hilly nine-hole Nyeri Club course over the weekend.

Nderi shocked himself after securing the Britam Golf Day overall title with an authoritative win at home.

Playing off handicap 19, he combined 21 and 19 stableford points for a winning score of 40 stableford points.

Nderi's win broke a three-year win-less streak without any major podium finish save for a few low-key wins at club level.

Savouring the sweetest revenge upon his closest nemesis, Anthony Rukwaro from Nanyuki Sports Club who finished second after posting 39 (20+19) stableford points to bag Men winner prize.

Nanyuki Sports Club vanquished Nyeri Club in the just concluded Mount Kenya District League and with his win, Nderi had gotten back at Team Nanyuki.

With the course still healing from dry spell mid-year and with golfers teeing up on the par-four first, par-three second, par-five third, and par-four fourth. 

As well as the par-four eighth and par-three ninth holes, it wasn't the best round for Nderi who prefers to play as it lies.

"I was hitting it very well and my putting was excellent, especially on the first nine. Despite having played preferred lie for some time now. I still don't like it and it presents me with a myriad of challenges from time to time." Nderi said 

Adding, "It's been long since I won a big tournament of this stature. I'm very elated with this win."

Men winner second went to a handicap 10, James Mathenge upon carding a similar score of 19 stableford points from both nines for a total of 38 stableford points.

Easy going Wambui Kimathi outshone the rest of the ladies section to clinch Lady winner prize on 38(19+19) stableford points as Jennifer Kariuki took Lady winner second prize in a score of 34(16+18) stableford points.

James Muriithi playing off -1 returned the best gross score of 75 to lift the Gross prize while youngster Henry Kungu won Junior prize on a score of 34(20+14) stableford points.

In Division two, Samson Kamau playing off handicap 34 led the rest of the pack after posting 38(19+19) stableford points trailed by James Waihenya on a score of 37(17+29) stableford points.

With a sterling score of 41(16+25) stableford points, Kevin Nzioka won Guest prize followed by Guest winner second Boniface Komu on 41(22+19) stableford points.

Father Paul Kimani won the Longest Drive men prize with Ann Sang winning Longest Drive lady winner prize.

Precision presented Gedi Mohamed with Nearest to the Pin prize as Jane Irungu carted away a packet of maize flour for her struggles in securing Piga mingi prize. 

Three twos were registered during the meet by James Muriithi, Paul Gichuki and Patrick Muthia with each receiving 20 golf balls each.

Kenya Railway Golf Club

Overall Winner - Ruth Mwende (H/p 31) 41 Pts

Men Winner - George Muraguri (H/p 16) 38 Pts

Gross Winner: Paul Orawo (Hcp 6)79 Gross

Lady Winner - Mary Ndegwa (H/p 28) 33 Pts

Senior Winner - Titus K Mbogua (H/p 18) 36 Pts

Junior Winner - Stephen Chiuri (H/p 28) 26 Pts

Sponsor’s Guest Winner - Wilfred Gathu (H/p 13) 38 Pts

Guest Winner - Patrick Langat (H/p13) 40 Pts

Men second - Samson N Gakere (H/p 16) 37 Pts

Lady second - Janealice Mutuota (H/p 23) 32 Pts

Men third: Dr. Patrick Karani (H/p 22) 37 Pts