KCB Road to Karen Masters fourth leg head to Nakuru

Charles Wangai makes a swing. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

The KCB Road to Karen Masters current order of merit leader Charles Wangai will be attempting his third victory at the par 73 Nakuru golf course from today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) during the fourth leg of the tourney.

Wangai, who currently leads the board on 30 points after emerging winner at the tourney’s Nyali and Thika Sports legs, is expected to use his hat trick skills to explode with a back to back wins.

Wangai, who is also the Captain of the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK), expected a stiff opposition from Muthaiga's Greg Snow, long-hitting Dismas Indiza of Mumias, Thika Sports Club Pro Simon Ngige, Golf Park duo of David Wakhu and Jacob Okello and Royal's Eric Ooko among others.

“It will be tough but am going for nothing but another win. I have practised and am in good shape and ready for the tourney,” Said Wangai.

The two days tourney sponsored by Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB)  will see an estimated 32 Pros play a 36- hole stroke-play in both days.

They will be joined by amateurs tomorrow (Saturday's) for the Pro-Am in an 18- Hole stable ford round.

This tourney is a yardstick to ascertain the next six Amateur qualifiers for the third edition of the 2019 KCB Karen Masters that will be played Karen Course from June 25-30, marking the tourney’s second year on the prestigious Sunshine Tour.

At Nakuru, the Overall winner, Men's winner, Lady Winner, Staff winner, Guest winner and Wildcard winner will earn automatic tickets to the 2019 KCB Karen Masters

The top 20 professionals in the order of merit will gain an automatic qualification while 7 more will be picked by a Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) invitation.

PGK Chairman Charan Thethy said the KCB Tour has been a great addition for pros to prepare for the Karen Masters.

“This gives us a chance to improve in our game and play competitively at different courses, Said Thethy.

Nakuru Club Captain Hilary Korir assured golfers that the course was playing well but the current wet condition may be challenging.

"The course is fine with the fairways in good condition," said Korir.

The Captain playing off handicap 7 is expected to compete against veterans that include handicap 2 Luther Kamau, handicap 3 Paul Muya and Sarat Singh playing off handicap 2.

Those eying the ladies prize includes handicaps 10 Shiro Kaine and  Esther Karuga (Hc 10) while handicap 9 Ali Wasim is expected to shine in the Junior category.

This road to Karen Masters is a five-round tourney that kicked off at Sigona in February before moving to Nyali and Thika Sports.

After Nakuru, the tourney enters its final round at the Royal Nairobi course on June 15th before the main event  Karen event from June 26th to 30th.

KCB 2019 road to Karen Masters Order of Merit;

1. CJ Wangai (Sigona)-30.0points

2. Greg Snow (Muthaiga)-24

3. Dismas India (Mumias)-21.5

4. David Odhiambo (Kisumu)-16.5

5. Alfred Nandwa (Railways)-15.5