Darren dares to dream big in Kericho

Presidential advisor Great Lakes Regions Affairs Charles Keter (left) with Overall nett winner, Darren Edwards (second left), Nett winner second F Koko (second right), and Nett winner third, David Biegon (right) during the Grand Opening of the 9/18 greens tournament presentation ceremony at Kericho Golf Club, June 14, 2025. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

The Kericho Golf Club hosted an impressive grand opening ceremony for the revamped greens number nine and 18 over the weekend, attracting 170 golfers.

Members are adopting and sponsoring the elevation of the greens to enhance the playing experience for its members and guests alike.

The 9/18 green was sponsored by Presidential advisor Great Lakes Regions Affairs Charles Keter and former Captain David Biegon, along with support from organisations such as Safaricom, Kenya Pipeline Company, KenGen and Kenchic.

"This initiative is viewed as a positive development for the future of golf and sports, focusing on making them more accessible and community-oriented rather than elitist," said Keter. "The aim is to inspire the younger generation to take the sport seriously and demonstrate that golf is now inclusive and enjoyed by many."

The long-term plan is for members to adopt the remaining greens and upgrade them to international standards set by hole 9/18 design. Additionally, the club's leadership is in discussions to secure additional land for expansion of the current tough nine-hole layout to a full 18-hole course.

To celebrate the milestone, a lavish tournament was held, attracting golfers from across the country.

Darren Edwards was declared the overall nett winner of the two-day event, after chalking 41 stableford points, playing off handicap 20.

"It's a surprise that I'm the winner. Thanks to my caddy's role in this achievement, his advice on the course made a significant difference, and this win wouldn't have been possible without his input. I celebrate him too," said Darren.

The Nett winner second prize was won by F Koko upon returning a compact score of 40 stableford points followed by David Biegon also with a similar score of 40 stableford points. Eric Mutai, playing off handicap 7, won the Gross prize with a score of 78.

In the men's category, Zachary Kibaliach claimed first place with 39 stableford points, while Peter Ngeno came in second with a score of 36 stableford points.

Guest player Samwel Munyua tees off during the Grand Opening of Greens 9/18th at Kericho Golf Club, June 14, 2025. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Leading in the Ladies category was Judy Chebon with 39 stableford points while Goretty Mutai was second with a score of 34 stableford points.

In category One, handicap 14, Peter Mogendi chalked 37 stableford points to claim the top spot while Leonard Koech settled for second place with 36 stableford points.

Nicholas Tonui and Nicholas Rotich were the winners and second-placed golfers in Category two with 38 and 36 stableford points respectively.

Virginia Munyao, the Lady Captain of Kenya Railway Golf Club, won the Guest prize with a score of 35 stableford points, followed by Dr. Michelle Muhanda of Sigona Golf Club, who carded 29 stableford points.

In the commercials, David Biegon, a former Kenya Longest Drive team member, won the Men Longest Drive contest with Irene Kimeu winning the Ladies category.

Three twos were registered by Collins Kipkurui on the par-three third and Winnie Cheboge on the par-three fifth holes to win 22 golf balls each, while Elizabeth Mose managed two "twos" on the 12th and 14th holes, earning a total of 44 golf balls.