NGIGE ON THE RIGHT TRACK: Kenyan golfer begins with the right swing at Kenya Open

Filippo Bergamaschi of Italy focusing on his putt during Kenya Open Golf Championship at Muthaiga Golf Club on Thursday 23/03/17.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Simon Ngige of Thika Sports Club fired four under par 67 to put Kenya on the right path in round one of the Kenya Open that teed off yesterday at the par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi.

Ngige had a birdie in the opening hole, before following it up with a double bogey in the second and third. He redeemed himself with a birdie in holes four and five and a bogey in the sixth.

He faltered in holes seven and nine as he registered a double bogey before completing the front nine with a bogey in hole eight.

Ngige had his fair share of good moments and trouble in the back nine. He birdied in holes 13, 15, 16 and 18. He bogeyed in hole five and completed the rest with double bogeys.

Ngige said his familiarity with the course contributed to his impressive performance yesterday.

“I have played here on numerous occasions, so I know this course like the palm of my hand. The organisers did not alter the course today (yesterday), which was another added advantage,” he said.

Ngige believes yesterday’s results will play a big role in his chase for a cut, just like he did in last year’s edition at Karen.

“At least, I will play round two without much pressure just the same way I did last year. I was relaxed on the course and I am also praying for the greens be in the same conditions as they were today. 

"They were running a bit long though perhaps because of the dry weather, but the bunkers are a bit firm and troublesome if you get your ball there,” he said.

Ngige, who is playing in his sixth Kenya Open championships, said yesterday’s results were his best ever at the championship and hoped his plan would remain the same.

“My plan is to relax, focus and take each shot at a time, while also minding my putts. My other aim will be to make the cut and rest in the money bracket," said Ngige, who finished 30th during last year’s event.

While Ngige was basking in glory on the first day, home player Greg Snow was cursing his bad performance on the fairways.

His score was quite contradictory to his recent performance, where he lifted the PGK Jamii Masters in Sigona, before being the best placed Kenyan golfer at the just-concluded KCB Karen Masters.

“I don’t know what happened today. I am very disappointed with myself. I was not expecting this kind of score for sure,” said Snow, who fired a two over par 73.

Snow said he would target a six under par today, which would grant him a chance of making the cut that has eluded him since 2014.

“It has been long since I made the cut. The last time I did was in 2014, but I have to make it since this championship is at my home club,” he said. Snow said he will take part in the Mini Tour in Dubai.

By close of business yesterday, South Africa’s Jaco Ahlers was commanding the leaderboard with seven under par 64, while United Kingdom’s Davies Rhys and Oscar Lengden of Sweden were tied in second place with six under par 65 each.

Last year’s winner Sebastian Soderberg was 46th.