Patel seeks a three-peat at Standard County Golf Classic

Anika Patel in action during 2024 Standard County Golf Classic Series at the par 71 Eldoret Club in Uasin Gishu County. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

A fierce battle is looming as the 2025 Eldoret edition of the Standard County Golf Classic tees off at the par 71 Eldoret Club in Uasin Gishu County this morning.

Former champions Anika Patel and Wesley Kiprono are among those angling for glory in the showpiece that has attracted over 200 players from Eldoret, Nandi Bears, Kakamega, Kitale and Nairobi.

Others who have declared interest for the glittering prizes in the showdown, supported by mobile services providers Safaricom, Eka Hotel, Eldoret Club, and Stabex International, include home players Jack Tuwei, Neelesh Aggrawal, and Esther Chumo.

Nairobi-based Patel, 29, will be out for a third victory in the tournament themed 'On the green course, for the green cause' in support of sustainable actions on climate change.

Patel first lifted the championship in 2014 and repeated the feat massively in 2022, where Standard Group PLC showered her with two nights' accommodation at Eka Hotel Eldoret and return air tickets to any destination of her choice within Kenya.

Yesterday evening, Patel combed the pristine Eldoret Club fairways to make final touches ahead of her 7am tee-off today in the opening batch of Kais Jamal, Faith Mburu, and Gerishom Nasisbi.

"I'm looking for a three-peat, I'm ready for it," handicap 19 Patel told Standard Sports.

"I left my work station in Nairobi to come here and prepare for the tournament. I have been practising daily for the last two weeks. I have used the weekly Club Nites to gauge my performance after a long break from the game due to work commitments, and I can see my body is responding well. I'm confident I'm capable of making it to the podium.

"I have been hitting the range and attacking the greens fiercely, hitting over 200 balls a day to sharpen my swings and chips, and they have now put me on course as a top contender for the title," she highlighted.

Patel, who is also the social media manager for the golf club, believes the tournament will be different this time round because of their new state-of-the-art Club House that has attracted new members who are hungry for victory and are raring to go.

Rotich, 36, who also has been practising fervently on the course in the last few weeks, says he is much ready to floor everyone who has their sights on the trophy.

"I'm dreaming of victory, but I also want to use the occasion to meet, intermingle, socialise, and network with players from other golf clubs," handicap 36 Rotich stated.

In the Staff category, Standard Group General Manager Radio, Edwin 'Ngombe Hamsini' Kwambai of Golf Park, will battle it out with Marketing Manager Seth Enos of Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

Other players to watch in the battle royale are Eldoret Club resident pro Andrew Chelogoi and club captain Luka Kiptai Cheserek.

Visiting players have been warned to be wary of the meandering river criss-crossing holes 1,3,4 and 5, a barrier that should inspire them to work hard on their swings and chips so as not to lose the ball in water.