Jumuiya tournament unites Coast golfers

Mombasa Golf Club Captain James Gitonga in action. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

Coast golfers are sharpening their golf sticks for top honours in the 2023 Jumuiya golf tournament, which begins tomorrow at the par 71 sea-link Mombasa golf course.

Club captain James Gitonga said the club is honoured to once again host the event that will see more than 150 golfers take part. “All preparations are done and we are ready for the day. As usual, there are a lot of prizes to be won. We welcome all guests and players to this spectacular course,” said Gitonga.

The club’s green keeper Tirus Githaiga has assured the golfers that the 9-hole course is in excellent condition, playing well, but strong winds from the Indian Ocean are expected to continue torturing the golfers. This tournament is organised by the Jumuiya Agribusiness Blue Economy Investments (JABEIC), which is part of their fifth conference that begins today at Mombasa’s Mama Ngina waterfront. It will end on Thursday.

JABEIC Chief Executive officer Emmanuel Nzai said the conference is expected to host over 1,000 delegates. Their goal is to enhance networking opportunities among stakeholders within the ‘Jumuiya Ya Kaunti za Pwani’.

According to the program, the event’s dress code on the course during the day will be all-white, while during the prize giving ceremony in the evening, all guests will be expected to be in white and blue.

This event comes after Saturday’s Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) corporate golf tournament at the sea-Link course, where youthful golfer Willy Sang emerged victorious on an excellent score of 44 points.

Mary Kandu, with 38 points, was the Lady winner, while Japhet Obonyo 37 on points was the staff winner. Ethan Kinuthia, also with 37 points, was the Junior winner.

Some of the confirmed players include Lawrence Odhiambo, Edwin Kiptoo, Charles Odoo, George Kokoth, Johnson Wamunyua, Evans Murumba, Dan Mugambi, Gurbux Singh, Andrew Miheso and Omar Lewa.

The ladies to watch include Florence Karimi, Fiona Mbandi, Caroline Mokaya, Rose Kinyanjui, Petronillah Kalee, Everlyne Akinyi, Gladys Kasi and Caroline Munyi.

Elsewhere, Ruiru Sports Club vice captain James Karanja Muraguri, playing off handicap 18, carded an excellent score of 39 stableford points to clinch the Expo golf tournament held at the cub course over the weekend.

“My swing was there. I had an incredible four-ball which was very competitive and demanding. I must say we enjoyed the course and my first nine was amazing,” said Muraguri.

The Club that was celebrating  100 years of existence, saw handicap 7 Eliakim Maina  to claim  the runners up slot  after returning a score  of 36 points  in the day long 18 holes event  that brought together 102 golfers.

Handicap 31Veronica Mwaura brought a score of 36 stable ford points to clinch the lady’s prize while handicap beat 18 Esther Muoria carded 32 stable ford points to finish second.

The vision two category was won by handicap 30  Mwai Karunga on 30 points while handicap 36 Doreen Kalu carded 37 stable ford points to bag the guest prize in the event supported  by Aga Khan Hospital, Inva properties and BF Suma.

The 18-hole course will host the second edition of the couples’ golf day on December 3rd as part of the centenary celebrations and will be coordinated by seasoned golfer and Club Captain Susan Mukururi.