Patel excels in Standard Group County Golf Classic series

Standard Group Commercial Manager Salim Bwika presents a golf bag to overall winner Mahesh Patel. [PHOTOS: JENNIFER WACHIE/STANDARD]

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Mahesh Devji Patel and Anne Mukiri are the winners of the Standard Group County Golf Classic series that teed off at the par 72 Thika Sports Club on Saturday and was contested by over 200 players.

Patel won the men’s category after garnering 21 stable points in the first nine and 23 in the second to finish with maximum 44 points.

Mukiri registered 21 and 18 points to emerge women’s winner with 39 points.

Patel, playing off handicap 18, attributed his victory  to the wonderful company he had on the fairways.

“We assisted and encouraged each other where necessary. I also followed strict instructions given by my professional instructor ahead of the event,” he said.

It was the first win for Patel this year. Patel, 60, is a member at both Thika and Ruiru Sports Clubs.

Even though Patel, who started playing golf in 1988, has never represented Kenya internationally, he is glad to have won many local tournaments including the Sanyo Trophy at Sigona in 1995 and 1996 seasons.

Mukiri, 37, who is a mother of three and a member of Thika Sports Club, said it was a second tournament she was winning this year.

“I won the NIC Bank early in the year and this coming weekend I am looking forward for the EABL trophy here in Thika,” she said during the prize presentation ceremony for the winners.

Mukiri, who is handicap 25 stated: “It was a great and interesting challenge. I had a better start at the tee off which subsequently proceeded up to the 18th hole as compared to my competitors.”

Just like Patel, Mukiri too has never represented the country internationally.

“Golf is my best way of keeping fit,” she quipped.

Men’s runners up, Julius Wanyaga, who also won the Nearest to The Pin category scored 19 and 21 to finish on 40 stable points. The 39-year-old Ruiru Sports Club Vice Captain said his win was down to a steady putt.

“My driving was almost perfect and I did not put myself through a lot of pressure. I also worked heavily on my fitness ahead of the tournament,” said Wanyaga, who won New Year’s Golf event at the same venue.

The Standard Group County Golf Classic series in Thika attracted Standard Group staff members, the business community, executives and professionals.

 The series heads to Eldoret this Saturday then Kitale next month followed by the Nairobi Royal Golf Club, Mombasa and Kisumu legs with the grand finale at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi on December 7.