Ireland Brendan wins Nakuru Captain prize

Ireland Brendan follows the trajectory of his tee shot at Nakuru Golf Club, on Saturday. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Ireland Brendan is the Nakuru Captain (Mathew Maiyo) 2024 prize winner.

The handicap 21 Njoro-based farmer navigated the weather-beaten 18-hole par 73 Nakuru Golf course to register 42 stableford points.

Thanks to the advice he received from his caddy, Anthony Njoki, Brendan remained steady in his play.

“I had amazing drives off the deck coupled with exceptional putting out on the course. My caddy played a vital role in my game, everything turned out great,” Brendan said.

Kenya Pipeline Company Limited were the tournament title sponsors alongside M-Oriental, Taidy’s, Agricultural Drones Limited and Milango Fiti.

Others were Pernord Ricard, Institute of Engineering Technology, Kenya Engineering Technology Registration Board and The Glenlivet.

The Man winner prize was won by Mark Karanja, on a score of 39 stableford points playing off handicap 24.

Handicap 36, Jane Gikonyo won the lady winner prize after bringing back to the clubhouse 36 stableford points.

In Division One, handicap 17, Susan Gichuki returned a score of 37 stableford points beating second-placed Saheel Mughal on countback with a similar score of 37 stableford points.

In Division Two, Ann Nduati, playing off handicap 27, inked a compact score of 40 stableford points to star, while Gentar Nabwire settled for second place on a score of 39 stableford points.

Playing the best among the sponsors was Charles Terer, carding 33 stableford points to deny Jane Koech, who had 31 stableford points.

Top club amateur John Kamais, playing off handicap 1, posted 29 stableford points to win the Gross prize.

Handicap 5 David Murima won the Guest prize with a score of 35 stableford points.

Adelle Jeptoo, playing off handicap 36, picked 40 stableford points to win the Junior prize.

In the Nines, Esther Thuku won the First Nine with 22 stableford points while the Second Nine prize was won by Benhard Koech with 23 stableford points.

Suffering the most on the course as he picked a total of seven stableford points was the Piga Mingi winner Cyrus Kivuti off handicap 28. In the commercials, Longest Drive Lady winner prize was won by the evergreen Esther Karuga, while another top club amateur, Sarat Singh was the Longest Drive Men prize winner.

Taking the straightest to the Line prize was Felix Maiyo on the par-five 18th hole, while Harry Rotich won the Nearest to the Pin prize.

Speaking at the prize-giving dinner, Kenya Pipeline Managing Director, Joe Sang said the 50-year-old organisation has been transforming lives and building regional economies.

“The Captain Prize Golf tournament is more than just a venue for friendly competition. It symbolises our commitment to strengthening stakeholder relationships and foster a sense of community among those who share our vision for progress,” said Sang.