Poise and focus does it for Kariuki in Limuru tourney

Outgoing lady Captain Hannah Gatu in action on the par-four 17th hole at Limuru Golf and Country Club, November 18, 2023. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

In​-form Nayams Kariuki was in her element as she triumphed in the Lady Captain (Hannah Gatu) 2023 prize at Limuru Golf and Country Club, over the weekend.

The handicap 47 golfer wound up her round with 47 stableford points to win the tournament, which was presented by Galana Energies, Britam, Kengen and Friends of the Lady Captain.

248 golfers took to the fairways to celebrate the end of Gatu’s term as head of ladies golf.

Gatu was instrumental in establishing a vibrant junior section which also hosted the successful Limuru Junior Open in August where the young golfers displayed great skills and high level competition.

There was a significant growth in terms of new lady golfers joining the the sport, which contributed immensely to hosting 11 ladies’ medals.

On her part, Kariuki was over the moon having started playing golf recently, but she’s already reaping big. This was her maiden win.

“I played alongside single and experienced golfers who brought out the best in me and spurred me on as I hit the fairways. I’m thankful to my ancestors for blessing me with this win,” Kariuki said.

In Division A, handicap 13, Noni Wanyee produced a fine score of 38 stableford points to lift the trophy, as Anne Wanjama, on a score of 37 stableford points, beat Stella Ruai on countback to third place finish.

Division B saw Hope Oduor, playing off handicap 34, return a score of 44 stableford points to win in the category ahead of Wambui Njenga, who posted 41 stableford points.

Handicap 9 Solomon Irimu won Division A men title on a solid score of 40 stableford points, while Nganga Mathu was second on a score of 37 stableford points.

Junior girl winner prize was won by a handicap 54 Chloe Edemba on a score of 19 stableford points, while Junior boys prize went to Victory Waiyaki, who inked 35 stableford points. Stella Mwende, playing off handicap 33, won Lady Guest prize on a score of 40 stableford points as Mike Mwiti won Man Guest winner prize on a similar score of 40 stableford points.

Longest Drive Men winner prize was won by Charles Kinuthia, with Nancy Wairimu winning Longest Drive Lady winner prize. Father Michael Chege won Nearest to Pin Men prize with Stella Gathigia winning in the ladies’ category.

Meanwhile, a resolve to lead from the front presented Ben Obura with victory at the charity golf day Kendu Adventist Hospital Fundraising Golf day, at Kenya Railway Golf Club course on Friday.

Obura, playing off handicap 19, had an impressive record despite the heavy rains that interrupted play as he returned a score of 39 stableford points to floor the over 79 golfers who took part in the event.