Wanjala, Kabera pair shine at Tusker Malt event

By Erick Ochieng’

The team of Richard Wanjala and Edmund Kabera, both playing off handicaps 19, are the winners of the Tusker Malt Golf Carnival four-ball better event held at the Muthaiga Golf Club.

The winning pair got off to a great start when Kabera holed a long putt on the opening par-four first hole to secure bogey and a comfortable two points.

The pair kept up their scoring through the opening nine holes collecting birdie on the tough par-four sixth, par on the scenic par-five seventh and a closing par on the uphill par-four ninth for a total of 25 points on the opening nine.

On the back nine, the pair picked up birdie on the dogleg right par-five 10th, and pars on the 13th, 16th, 17th and 18th for an excellent 24 points bringing their total to 49 points.

Speaking after their round, Wanjalla said they combined well to secure their victory.

"This format of play is excellent; it allows for one member of the team to play aggressively, taking the risk to score big while the partner takes the safer option to cushion his teammate," Wanjalla said.

Producing points

"I must thank Tusker Malt for continuously introducing exciting formats of play. In the last edition of the Carnival we played in teams of four and now we are playing in pairs, very interesting and fresh!"

The pair of Mary Maingi, handicap 20 and Kenya international Christina Andersen, handicap eight, combined well to finish second with a total of 48 points, while the team of Michael Itote, handicap nine and Patrick Obath, handicap 17, were also on song producing 46 points.

The team of Fredrick Mwihia, handicap 14 and Ndungu Githinji, handicap 16 finished with 45 points tying the team of Ben Theuri, handicap 27 and Tim Chege, handicap 20, on 45 points. The visiting team of Yasin Awale and Sammy Muraya from the Limuru Country Club were the guest winners with a total of 43 points.

Host carnival

The Tusker Malt Golf Carnival now moves to the tough Sigona Golf Club on January 28 and then on to Vet Lab Sports Club on February 4.

The Carnival then moves to the Malindi Golf and Country Club for a club night on February 8 before moving to the Nyali Golf and Country Club on the February 11.

Members of Leisure Lodge Golf Club, Vipingo Ridge and the Mombasa Golf Club are expected to play at Nyali.

The Thika Sports Club will host the Carnival on February 18, while Karen and Royal will host the Carnival on March 3 and 10 respectively.

The winning pair from the Carnival is expected to win an overseas golf trip.