Sleek Njoki defends Nanyuki Ladies Open title
Golf
By
Mose Sammy
| May 30, 2023
Margaret Njoki had a 16-stroke lead over her closest competitor to clinch the Mount Kenya Ladies golf circuit presented by Risiih Investments Limited at Nanyuki Sports Club over the weekend.
Despite losing out to Kiambu Golf Club's Nancy Wanjiru, the winner of the Nyeri leg which was Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) event, the single handicapper Njoki bounced back with a fine score on the final day score of 75 to shine.
Earlier at the high altitude Nyahururu Sports Course, she returned an 80, followed it up with an 81 in Nyeri for 20-over (80-81-75) gross score. Another top amateur Agnes Nyakio, also from Golf Park playing off scratch, was second with 40-over (86-79-91).
Njoki was over the moon for successfully defending the title following her 2022 win on the same course which she said has a similar layout to her home course, Golf Park. She also, triumphed in the Njoro Ladies Open earlier in the year.
"This is a tight course and for you to play well here, you must be on the fairway, lest you will waste a lot of strokes in the rough," said Njoki.
Having that in mind, she set out with a game plan on how to conquer the easy looking but tough playing course with difficult pin positions that harassed most of the visiting golfers.
With this win, Njoki shifts her focus to Muthaiga Ladies Open next month, where she intends to make amends for her not-so good showing earlier this month.
"Golf is our source of livelihood and it's not a laughing matter, so we treat it with the seriousness it deserves. We don't joke around," added Njoki.
KLGU chairman Lydia Obonyo commended the organising committee led by Lady captain Marion Githinji for great planning of the tournament.
"The tournament went on well despite the low turnout, but we will be seeking to address that in future," said Obonyo.