Ndege, Mariga brave raging winds to bag Jamhuri titles

Coast Lady golfer Mary Mariga makes a shot.[Maarufu Mohamed,Standard]

Duo wins trophies at the seaside Mombasa course

Ndege, Mariga brave raging winds to bag Jamhuri Day titles

Mombasa rookie sinks two rare back-to-back birdies for victory.

Mombasa rookie Joel Ndege and veteran lady golfer Mary Mariga emerged winners of the 2018 Jamhuri Day golf tournament at the par 71 seaside Mombasa links golf course over the weekend.

Despite the current heavy winds from the nearby Indian Ocean, handicap 24  Ndege posted 36 stableford points to emerge the overall winner and claim the trophy while the club’s Lady Captain Mary Mariga posted 33 points to walk home with the women's title.

Ndege’s victory came after sinking two back-to-back rare birdies at the par  three-seventh and par five-eighth holes against a mixed bogey shots in both nines.

“Sinking birdies here was indeed great for me and this victory makes me a hero today. I am ready to defend the title next year," said Ndege.

Mariga, who is one of the best lady golfers from the Coast, rolled three level pars and mixed bogey shots on the rest of the holes to lead in the ladies' category.

“This course was quite challenging but I am happy with this victory,” said Mariga.

Stephen Kisevu, playing off handicap 26, was the Men winner on 34 points, two points ahead of handicap 20 Bernard Simitu, who finished second on a countback score after tying on points with third-placed handicap 12 Mburu Kariuki.

The tournament, which was held in celebration of Jamhuri Day, attracted 102 golfers and was jointly sponsored by Paul Munyao, Tirus Githaiga and Peter Gitau.

Meanwhile at the par 71 Muthaiga course, handicap 30 Major (retired) Mbugua from Ruiru, carded 32 points to win the 2018 KDF/CDF trophy on Saturday while Kiambu’s handicap 14 Col. (Retired) Githiri was the runner-up on 30 points.

Home club’s handicap 13 Joseph Iracha, on 38 points, was the Men winner while club mate handicap 30 Jane Nzibo was the lady winner on 36 points.

Kenya Railway’s handicap 21 S. Mbuggus won the guest prize on 37 points, while the club’s handicap 18 Ng’ang'a Mwanyumba, who had 33 points, took the Junior prize.

At the nine-hole Nyeri course, home club’s handicap 13 Khilan Shah posted 68 nett to emerge the Men winner of the 37th Sana Nagata tournament.

Handicap 33 Wambui Kimathi, on 71 nett, was the Lady winner and the junior winner’s prize was won by handicap 28 Osborne Wang’ombe on 112 nett.

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