Golfers ready to tee off at Nyanza Club for Kisumu tourney

Anticipation is building ahead of the First Assurance Golf Tournament set to tee off at Nyanza Golf Club in Kisumu on Saturday.

The tournament will bring together golfers from across Western Kenya, including clubs from Kakamega, Kisii, Nandi Bears, Kericho, and also Eldoret.

The draw released on Thursday evening revealed an impressive lineup and a tightly packed schedule starting at 7:50 a.m. with 13 flights scheduled before the mid-morning break.

Nyanza Golf Club Lady Captain Dr. Lina Akello, who will tee off in Group 11 alongside Koech, Akinyi and Maina at 9:30 a.m., welcomed the sponsorship warmly.

Akello's message to everyone is simple: let's join hands and promote golf in the region.

"Having First Assurance sponsoring an event in the club this weekend is very important for me as the Lady Captain. It's a great chance to celebrate Mother's Day specially and showcase Kisumu's golfing pedigree," she said.

"I call upon many more corporate partners and friends to bring the tournaments to Nyanza because I believe we must grow golf."

Hellen Muma, Ismael Noo, and E. Rumoh will set the pace at 7:50 a.m., followed by Clifford Agumbi, F. Odhiambo, Jackson Ulira, and junior golfer Emmanuel Brian at 8:00 a.m.

The third group will move out at 8:10 a.m. with experienced senior golfer BS Patel challenged to match the power of Andrew Mutua, the patience of Lilian Kongani, and youth of Clement Ramah.

Notably, S. Amusala will feature in Group 4 at 8:20 a.m. alongside Nyanza Golf Club captain Griffin Owino, E. Mbakaya, and L. Chebichi.

At 8:30 a.m., V. Amusala, N. Winja, V. Odhiambo, and B. Sugut will headline Group 5, while T. Kimenye and L. Kipkoech will team up with E. Jepchumba and C. Obare in Group 6.

Club favorite Tabitha Ojwang will play alongside A. Maleche, and N. Koech before 10 a.m. A mid-morning course break will follow from 10:00 a.m. to noon, after which play resumes with another exciting set of 8 flights.

A key highlight will be the 12:20 p.m. group featuring First Assurance Managing Director Mr. Stephen Lokonyo, who will tee off alongside Nyanza Golf Club chairman Tom Odongo, P. Nuthu, and A. Cheruiyot in Group 15. Lokonyo is among several First Assurance executives taking part, a move that underscores the company's commitment to regional engagement.

"This tournament is not just about golf. It's part of our strategic expansion in the western region, especially following the opening of our Kisumu branch," Lokonyo said.

Daniel Mwangi and Elias Kariuki, also part of the First Assurance team, will tee off in Group 16 at 12:30 p.m. alongside R. Sandhu and ANO, while P. Thakrar, L. Atieno, R. Karia, and D. Sokhi will follow in Group 17.

Grace Mugo, who represents both First Assurance and the golfing fraternity, will feature in Group 14 at 12:10 p.m. alongside Christine Riaroh, G. Mugo, and I. Kuto.