Kim dominates Mwai Kibaki Memorial Trophy

Overall winner Chang Hyun Kim tees off on the par-four first during Mwai Kibaki Memorial Trophy at Vetlab Sports Club in Nairobi, October 15, 2023. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

An upbeat Chang Hyun Kim found his groove to shoot a round total of 44 stableford points to win Mwai Kibaki Memorial Trophy at the par-72, Vet Lab Sports Club course.

Despite a birdiless round of 18, Kim picked eight pars, a similar number of bogeys with two double bogeys before having the last laugh over a field of 230 golfers.

After combining 24 stableford points from his outward nine where he had started from, he added 20 stableford points more from his inward nine to triumph.

"I dedicate this win to my wife, who has been allowing me to come to play golf every Saturday while she takes care of our newborn. It was not in vain," said Kim.

The meet, which was in honour of the late President Mwai Kibaki, was presented by Equity Bank as well as the family of the late president and Vet Lab Sports Club.

Equity Bank will be the tournament's title sponsors. Kibaki's daughter Judy and Mwai Kibaki Jnr, (Jimmy Kibaki's son) were the chief guests at the presentation dinner.

Speaking on behalf of the Kibaki family, Judy thanked the golfing fraternity for acknowledging her father's contribution towards the growth of the gentleman's game and reclaiming grabbed land in some clubs.

"We are often at a loss to acknowledge the love and affection you continue showing our late dad through such events," said Judy. "This country has laws that we should protect public facilities and spaces from land grabbers as he always did."

Mwai Kibaki Jnr (left) presents Mwai Kibaki Memorial Trophy Overall to the winner Chang Hyun Kim (right) during the presentation dinner at Vetlab Sports Club in Nairobi, October 15, 2023. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Vet Lab's captain Anik Patel, playing off handicap 18, carded 42 stableford points to carry Men winner prize. 

Mukesh Bector took Men winner second prize on a score of 41 stableford points, while Musikari Kombo returned 40 stableford points to bag the Men winner third prize.

Handicap 21, Dorcas Mukabi posted 39 stableford points to win the Lady winner prize, and former Lady captain Grace Waiganjo and Rose Mwarania were Lady winners third and fourth respectively, upon posting 38 stableford points each.

Guest winner prize was won by David Ebau playing off handicap 23 on a superb score of 44 stableford points.

Handicap 20, David Machungu inked 40 stableford points to emerge the Senior Men winner, while Nelius Kariuki continued with her winning streak after securing the Senior Lady winner prize on a score of 35 stableford points. The Junior winner prize went to Aaditya Tiwari on a score of 39 stableford points.

In the Nines, Reuben Muruguru claimed the First Nine prize with 23 stableford points and Daniel Munyambu won the Second Nine prize with 21 stableford points.

In the Pros category, Pro Isaiah Otuke fired a scintillating 6-under on 66 Gross to win ahead of Pro Edwin Mudanyi, who came in second at leve-par 72 Gross while Pro Robinson Owiti was easy with a third-place finish on 4-over 76 Gross.