Muthomi, Mukumbu shine in Kenchic Junior Golf tournament
Golf
By
Standard Sports
| Jul 20, 2021
Kanana Muthomi fired 55 gross to lift the Kenchic Junior Golf Competition 9-10 years category at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club on Sunday.
At the same time, Kai Henry Mukumbu staged an impressive show on the fairways to lift the hotly contested 7-8 years category, which was a nine-hole duel.
Muthomi’s father, Robert was impressed with his daughter’s performance in the championship that attracted 146 junior players.
“This victory means a lot to us as a family. It is proof that Kanana is progressing in the game,” said Robert.
This was the second major win for Muthomi, who emerged champion in the African Junior Challenge Championship in South Africa in 2019.
While relishing his win, seven-year-old Mukumbu said it was constant practice on the range that catapulted him to victory in his age group.
“I’m proud of myself. I practiced twice every week before I came for the tournament and that extra effort has paid off,” said Mukumbu, who is in PP2 at Thomas Back Primary School in Nairobi.
“I want to thank my parents for introducing me to golf. Apart from planning to be a pro in the sport, I want to be a firefighter when I grow up,” he added.
“My son started playing golf when he was three. He has had an amazing progress since then and we are happy with his victory,” said Mukumbu’s father, Josiah Mwangi. In other results, Cynthia Auma had 113 gross to lift girls’ 14 and above category while Kiyule Kivuvani (101 gross) emerged boys’ champion in the same group.
Andy Gathere (67) and B.Wanjiru (69) won boys and girls’ under 13 categories respectively.
Kenchic Limited Head of Operations and Processing, Philip Carolan, said the event unearthed talents that need to be nurtured.
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“We are open to ideas on how to improve junior golf competition because these youngsters are the future Kenya Open Champions,” he said.
Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) President Larry Ngala said the turn-up for the inaugural championship was impressive.
“This shows the future of golf in the country is very bright. The JGF will work hand in hand with Professional Golfers of Kenya to improve the game across the country,” said Ngala.