Golf: Top caddies ready for national tournament

Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) skipper Pro Charles Wangai in action will be among those gunning for a share pf Sh200,000 prize money during the National caddies tournament to be played at Muthaiga Golf Club on Monday. [Mose Sammy]

A record field of 180 caddie golfers from 18 golf clubs in the country, will be in action at the par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club today for the annual national Caddies tournament.

The tournament is presented by Nginyo Investments Limited.

This is the third year that Nginyo Investment are supporting the caddies tournament, courtesy of the veteran professional Lawrence Nginyo Kariuki.

Kariuki has been a great supporter of caddie golfers in the country and some of them have become great amateur and professional golfers.

“These caddies, just like club members, need support in form of sponsorship and this is why through Nginyo Investments, I have offered to support the national caddies competition over the years,” said Kariuki.

In the pro category, 22 professionals will be gunning for a share of the Sh200,000 prize fund.

They include; Kopan Timbe, Sullivan Muthugia, Simon Ngige, Nelson Simwa, Alfred Nandwa, John Wangai, David Wakhu, Jeff Kubwa, Tony Omuli, Hesbon Kutwa and Frank Matilo.

Others are Justus Madoya, Paul Thuo, James Karanja, Kevin Mabele, Erick Ooko, home pro Nelson Mudanyi, Mathew Omondi, Joseph Karanja, John Kagiri, Jimmy Kingori and David Opati.

An array of prizes will be up for grabs for the amateur caddies who qualified from some grueling club qualifying rounds held between January 7-14.

Of the 180 players, 37 will be girl caddies, who will battle for the top honours.

Save for Windsor, Nyali and Karen, other clubs have sent both men and lady golfers to the event. [Mose Sammy]