Muthaiga go green

By JAMES WAINDI

Muthaiga Golf Club on Sunday made it four in a row when they won the 89th edition of the Keringet Tannahill Golf tournament at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

They survived a strong challenge from archrivals Royal Nairobi Golf Club who tracked them by a single point after beating Muthaiga 6-2 on the final day.

Muthaiga Golf Club players after retaining the Keringet Tannahill Golf tournament title at Royal Club, on Sunday. [PHOTO:GOVEDI ASUTSA/STANDARD]

It was sweet revenge for Royal who were beaten during their clash last year.

Muthaiga ended the tournament on 45 points, while Royal came second on 44 points and Limuru followed closely in the third spot by Limuru on 43 points.

Western, who were managed by professional James Lorum, finished fourth on 38 points, while Sigona and Karen Clubs tied in the fifth spot on 32 points as Railway came third.

Mombasa, who comprised Mombasa Golf Club, Nyali Golf and Country Club and Leisure Lodge Golf Club players, finished last on 23 points after Vet Lab, who were disqualified from the tournament on the first day, finished at the bottom of the table with no points.

Vet Lab, who were pre tournament favourites, were knocked out of the high profile tournament on day one after they insisted to field three non-honorary members, against the rules of the tournament which allows for a maximum of two honorary members per team.

"We have to observe our rules and adhere to them. This tournament is meant to be fun and we have given each team two slots for honorary members and it is impossible to twist the rules. Vet Lab wanted to field three honorary members but it could not work and now we have to meet and decide if we will be inviting them for the tournament in future," said Royal Club’s vice captain Jack Okuku.

Relegation issue

Captain Darshan Mistry said it was very unfortunate to have lost to their arch rivals Muthaiga after finishing behind them in the last four years, but noted that it was a sign of good things to come as they have been threatening Muthaiga’s dominance each year since they last won the tournament in 2009.

Mistry also said they had not settled on the team which would be relegated, noting that they would meet in the course of the week to deliberate on how to go on the relegation issue.

"Probably, we may change the rules of the tournament as we have done before," said Mistry.

He added: "We want incorporate more participants into this tournament and make it more competitive and fun."

Mombasa was one of the outstanding teams at the tournament, with an average age of 19 years and they displayed quality skills at the three round event, but it looked like inexperience took the toll on them.

The tournament, which is considered the best amateur tournament in the country, is played in a foursome format.

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods apologised for kicking his club and swearing during his second round at the Masters, adds Reuters

Woods, who finished the third round on three over par on Saturday, kicked his club away after finding a bunker at the par-three 16th on Friday.

"I certainly heard that people didn’t like me kicking the club, but I didn’t like it either," said the 14-time major winner and former world number one.

"I’m frustrated at times and I apologise if that offended anybody."

Woods could be fined by the PGA Tour, although any such action would not be made public.

"I’ve hit some bad shots and it’s certainly frustrating at times not hitting the ball where you need to hit it.

"I hit it right in the bunker and (kicking the club) didn’t feel good on my toe either."