Karuga swings to win Railway Captain tournament top prize

Imanathi Ngugi in action at Kenya Railway Golf Club. [Mose Sammy]

James Karuga emerged the overall winner of Kenya Railways Golf Club Captain (Ronnie Maina) prize on a differential score of 32 points.

Karuga, playing off handicap 13, fired a superb round total of 6-under 66 in the curtain-raiser event on Friday before icing it with a commendable score of 34 stableford points on the final day for his victory.

It was a gratifying day for Karuga, who doubled-up as a starter for the tournament that saw heavy showers delay play and even render two holes unplayable due to water logged fairways.

Railway Captain Prize 2021 meet was presented by Trans Business Machines Limited, Safaricom, Kenya Revenue Authority, Suntory and East African Breweries Limited.

The stars aligned in Captain Maina’s favour on Friday as he sunk his first hole-in-one, a first in his golfing career that came as he celebrated his birthday.

One of Maina’s stint as captain was reclaiming Nairobi District League title from their erstwhile rivals, Royal Nairobi Golf Club, which they lost in 2018.

He also ensured the course remained in top condition, which enabled members exercise during the Covid-19 pandemic season.

“I will not divulge why and how I won since that will expose my secret and make me vulnerable to my opponents,” said Karuga.

Handicap 5, Edward Manywanda was three shots off Karuga as he finished overall second on (70nett – 35 stableford) 35 differential points.

Meanwhile, Coast architect Martin Ombura’s long desire to win at last came to pass when he emerged the overall winner of the 2021 Lelesta Charity Golf tournament played at the par 71 Nyali Golf and Country Club, in Mombasa County, on Saturday.

The handicap 17 golfer, who is also a member of the club, carded 39 stableford points to bag an early Christmas gift after posting 17 and 22 points in both nines.

“This has been one of the most exciting days in my life. I have been waiting for such moment for quite a while and at last, it has finally come. It’s sweet victory for me and I will take it as my early Christmas gift,” said Ombura.