Marucha cashes in to lift Hiview meet

Hiview International Golf Day overall winner Jonathan Marucha follows the trajectory of his tee-shot on the par-five first hole at Kenya Railway Golf Club, November 18, 2023. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Jonathan Marucha held his nerves to win the Hiview International Golf Day overall title at the tight par-72, Kenya Railway Golf Club course, over the weekend.

Marucha, who is the club’s vice-chairman, had a side bet with his playing partners to spice up their game and make their round more competitive.

When it was time to go back to the club house, Marucha, playing off handicap 15, inked 38 stableford points to clinch the title and beat a field of 122 golfers.

“The stakes were so high that I didn’t have room to mess. I had to keep my head down and eyes on the ball even though the course was playing hard. I’m feeling more confident with my game at the moment and I now train my guns on the upcoming Captain (Onassis Ndegwa) 2023 prize slated for next weekend.”

Richard Mose, playing off handicap 21, took overall winner second prize on a score of 37 stableford points. Senior golfer JM Ndungu, playing off a decent handicap 12, posted 36 stableford points to settle for overall winner third place.

The men's winner prize was won by George Kirathe, playing off handicap 14 and with a score of 35 stableford points.

Hard-hitting Walter Onyino, also with 35 stableford points, picked the Men winner second prize.

Leading the ladies in title hunt was flashy Dorris Night, who had a score of 35 stableford points to deny JaneAlice Mutuota, who carded 35 stableford points, on a better countback score.  

Handicap 9 Anthony Muita was the best guest player with 36 stableford points. Patrick Marangu finished second with 34 stableford points, while Gross winner prize went to -1 golfer Fidhelis Kimanzi on 75 Gross.

Gerald Gakima won First Nine prize while Gichuru Kamau was Second Nine winner with 22 stableford points.

Moses Kiplagat won Nearest to Pin Men winner prize with Kenya-One Wanjiru Karume winning Nearest to Pin Lady winner prize.

Longest Drive Men title went to Club Vice-Captain Edward Manywanda, Helen Manywanda won Longest Drive Ldy winner prize.

In the professional golfers’ category, resident pro Samuel Njoroge won with 68 Gross followed by George Felix also from KRGC on 72 Gross and Golf Park’s Jacob Okello was third with 73 Gross.