Golf: Njinu claims first victory after 25 years

ICEA Lion golf day overall winner Peter Njinu with his prize at Ruiru Sports Club, January 12, 2019. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

It took Peter Njinu 25 years to bag his maiden win during the ICEA Lion Group golf day at the par 72 Ruiru Sports Club over the weekend.

Njinu, an avid golfer whose handicap has been fluctuating between 18 and 19 for the past seven years, claimed the top honours ahead of a huge field of 279 golfers, who took part in the event.

Machakos Sports Club sent 22 golfers to the event led by the club’s captain Musembi Katuku.

Other clubs included; Thika Sports Club, Makuyu Sports Club, Nyeri Golf Club, Nakuru Golf Club, Vet Labs Sports Club, Karen Golf & Country Club and Muthaiga Golf Club, among others.

Njinu shot a round total of 40 stableford points to emerge victorious during the event played under clear blue skies.

On the front nine, Njinu had a great round bagging 21 stableford points but collapsed on the back nine where he had 19 extra stableford points to close his round of 18 and stroll back to the clubhouse with a solid score of 40 stableford points.

“I had two birdies, a couple of pars with a sprinkle of double-bogeys,” said Njinu.

"It’s been long coming. For the 25 years I have been playing golf, I have never had any major or memorable victory like today's."

For his win, Njinu won a TaylorMade golf bag valued at Sh35,000.

George Wachira, playing off handicap 24, was Men winner. [Mose Sammy]