Royal comes to life: Nyanchoga stars as annual Standard Group County Golf Classic tees off

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Avinash Raythatha  makes a chip from a bunker during the first leg of 2014 Standard County Golf Classic series at Royal Nairobi Golf Club on Saturday.

Robert Nyanchoga posted 41 stableford points (18+23) to emerge the winner of the first leg of the annual Standard Group County Golf Classic series at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club on Saturday.

This was Nyanchoga’s first win in over a year. The handicap seven player struggled to clinch three over par in the first nine. However, he recovered in the second nine to play one under gross for a gross score of 74.

The engineer attributed his victory to the conducive weather and lovely course he said was in perfect condition for his puts.

“The greens were holding for me and the fairways were well manicured,” said Nyanchoga, who dropped in handicap and will be starting his next game at handicap six.

He said the win inspired him to play in other championships, especially after making it to the Royal Nairobi Golf Club team that will be participating in the prestigious Tana Hill Shield in April.

“The win today is a strong message to me and others that every dream is valid, especially after staying for a long time without victory. I look forward to posting a similar show in Tana Hill Shield,” he said.

Practice twice a week

In order to be fit, Nyanchoga resolved to practice golf twice in a week besides playing competitive matches every Saturday at his club. He said he cannot wait to participate in other Standard Group series.

The series attracted more than 200 golfers who were out looking for glory in the premier golf event.

Standard Group’s Finance Director Orlando Lyomu said, during the prize giving ceremony, that the mainstream media company was privileged to be hosted at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

“As a media house we are out to partner with various business communities to  network for a positive cause that would take both of us to the next level of operations,” said Lyomu.

Standard Group’s Commercial Manager Salim Bwika, Corporate Affairs Manager Wanja Mwangi, Customer Service Officers Cynthia Matee and Naomi Kosgei and Nakuru Bureau team leader Joseph Yego said  the series’ first leg was such a success.

Club chairman Odongo McOkeyo said he was grateful that the Standard Group chose Nairobi Royal Golf Club as the first venue for their annual tournament this year.