Riaro and Osike lead Nyanza team to golf series grand finale

Christine Riaro, Tabitha Ojwang, Joyce Osike, and Griffins Owino put on a stellar performance to emerge winners of the 12th leg of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour held at the Nyanza Golf Club over the weekend.

The quartet, who are also the 2023 KCB East Africa Golf Tour champions, returned a combined score of 105 points, securing their third consecutive victory at the Nyanza edition of the tour.

Led by Riaro and Osike, the four ball proved once again why they are the queens and kings of the Nyanza greens after edging out the team of Elizabeth Wambi, Romy Sadhu, Francis Odhiambo, and Lydia Selestin.

The Wambi-led team posted a respectable 102 points to finish runners-up in the highly competitive event.

Despite finishing second, Wambi, Sadhu, Odhiambo and Selestin will join the champions for December's grand finale.

Tabitha Ojwanga said that despite going through a lot during the past few months, she proved that nothing is impossible, even with grief.

"It has been an incredibly difficult two months for me and my family. We have lost four loved ones in that time. I honestly did not think I would be able to participate in this tournament.

"But my teammates encouraged me to show up, just as we always have, and I came with one goal in mind: to win. Securing our third consecutive victory here is not easy. It is a true reflection of our teamwork, resilience, and determination."

Hellen Muma was crowned the overall winner of the day at the event that was attended by 100 golfers.

She carded an impressive 40 points, edging out her closest challenger, Sylvester Onyango, on countback.

Seasoned golfer Heroin Ikhohoro clinched the men's title with 39 Stableford points, narrowly edging out Nyanza Golf Club captain Griffins Owino, who settled for second place with 38 points.

In the highly competitive ladies' category, Elizabeth Akinyi emerged on top after posting 38 points, defeating Alice Gondi, who finished second with 37 points. Paul Otieno took home honours for the Nearest to the Pin.

Hard-hitting Luke Kipchirchir claimed the Longest Drive award in the men's category, while Pauline Chebet took the honours among the ladies.

Meanwhile, Josphat Simba posted 38 points to emerge as the top guest winner of the day.

Eliud Siganga won the staff winner award with 36 points, beating Allan Kiru,i who finished second on 25 points. The junior award went to Emmanuel Brian, who returned an impressive 40 points to claim the title.

The next leg of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour will be held on June 21 at Kiambu Golf Club.