Golf: Catholic priest reigns supreme in Standard Group sponsored All Africa Challenge Cup

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Standard Media Group Finance Director Olando Lyomu (left) awards the winner of All African Trophy tournament Peter Kaigua at Vel Lab Club on Friday evening. TOP: Lyomu presents an award to winner of Sponsor category June Waweru.   [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO/ STANDARD]

Cardinal Otunga Memorial defending champion Peter Kaigua raked in 40 stable ford points to win the first leg of the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) fundraiser golf tournament at the Vet Lab Sports Club in Nairobi on Friday.

The  handicapped 15 Catholic Father attributed his win to the  good company he had on the pitch in his batch that composed of a hole-in-one champion Father Paul Gitonga and Father Peter Kimani.

 “I am glad to kick off on a winning note,” said Kaigua, who is attached to the University of Nairobi’s St Paul’s Chapel.

 “Even though Vet Lab has the longest course, it proved very short for me because my putting was excellent and just falling into place.”

 Kaigua,  a member of Thika and Limuru Golf Clubs says he always strive to get at least a day off in a week to practise golf and keep fit.

Gitonga, attached to Riruta Parish, bagged a hole-in-one prize in hole eight for first time in his six-year golfing career.

“I was amazed, I couldn’t believe what I saw. This is a rare achievement this year. I wish it was part of my New Year resolution,” he told FeverPitch.

Played ‘badly’

Women’s champion Njeri Kimani, handicap 26,  was too surprised by her win saying she played ‘badly’ and was not expecting to win with her 35 points.

The Vet Lab golfer said: “I came here  to prepare  for Saturday’s Barclays Bank Open and I am glad my participation has been iced with a tremendous victory.”

Kimani, who won Toyota Championship last year was basking in her second glory having topped first nine with 19 points in the Club Night last Wednesday.

Standard Group, the event sponsor, presented the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) with a cheque of Sh200,000 with surety of coverage in build up to AACT.

While presenting the cheque, the Group’s Finance Director Orlando Lyomu said the company is glad to partner with KLGU to support the initiative, which aims at promoting women’s golfing skills.

Collated results

1. Men and Overall winner –Peter Kaigua      40 pts

2. Lady winner - Njeri Kimani                           35 pts

3. Sponsor winner-Nelius Kariuki                     33 pts

4. KLGU winner-June Waweru                           29 pts

5. First nine winner-J.Kibe                                  19 pts