Big field for Njuri Ncheke Golf Festival in Nanyuki

Youngster Arav Maisuria practices ahead of Njuri Ncheke Golf Festival, August 7, 2023. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Over 500 golfers are expected to grace the 23rd edition of Njuri Ncheke Golf Festival which gets underway today at Nanyuki Sports Club course.

Now in its 31st year running, it's the longest running and biggest golfing event in Mount Kenya region after the defunct Kibaki Trophy which stopped being played for over 40 years.

Several events have been lined up which includes tournaments for caddies, Clubnite, juniors and the highlight being a 36-holes duel where the overall winner shall be crowned over the weekend.

"We guarantee both golfers and guests of a memorable tournament and golfers alike will be in for a treat of what the Ameru culture has to offer, " said Jediel Muriungi, chairman of Njuri Ncheke Golf Festival organising committee.

Founded in 1991 by its founder patron Ben Muthiora, late Justice Kaburu Bauni and late BFS Muriungi.

Initially to offer a cultural variety in particular, from spicy food that was offered during tournaments then by the Asian community who comprised the majority then.

"We needed a breather. We cooked at home and brought a variety of Ameru delicacies which included our traditional brew to the club," said Muthiora.

Initially a self-sponsored event, with only 30 home golfers and 10 guests from sister clubs Nyeri Club and Nyahururu Sports Club, it grew in stature attracting the General Motors and Cooper Motor Corporation (CMC) and Mumias Sugar Company as some of their perennial sponsors among others.

This year's edition has attracted several sponsors including Isuzu - General Motors (GM), Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), AAR Insurance and Rangelands.