Nduguta crowned in Nanyuki

Crown Paints Chief Executive Officer Rakesh Rao in action during the Crown Silicone golf day at Nanyuki Sports Club, on Saturday. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Stephen Nduguta, posted a round total of 39 stableford points to win the Crown Silicone golf tournament overall prize at the par 72 Nanyuki Sports Club, over the weekend.

Nduguta, playing off handicap 18, went on a par sinking spree, collecting 11 pars, two bogeys, four double-bogeys with a single no-return from both nines.

A field of 84 golfers battled for top honours during the event, which was presented by paint makers Crown Paints Limited, now in their 69th birthday.

In his inward nine, Nduguta picked his pars on par-4 fourth, par-4 fifth, par-5 seventh, par-5 eight and par-3 ninth holes.

On the back nine, Nduguta landed back-to-back pars on the par-4 11th, par-4 12th, par-3 13th and par-4 14th. He parred par-5 16th and par-5 17th hole.

Nduguta then fumbled with a few holes, picked bogeys on par-3 third and par-4 10th.

He also had four double-bogeys in his opener; on the par-4 first, par-4 sixth, par-4 15th and par-3 18th holes. 

Nduguta, who is the 2019 captain (Jediel Muriungi) prize winner, attributed his good showing to a balanced game, that saw him execute great tee-shots, hit the greens on regulation and had a solid short game.

The course was playing short, due to the thick fairways and heavy rains that are pounding the area. This presented high handicapped golfers with a lot of challenges with their short game.

At some point, most golfers retreated to the clubhouse after the skies opened up rendering the greens unplayable.

“I have been practising a lot. On average, I play four times a week. In this kind of weather conditions, it gives one an advantage,” Nduguta said

“I am humbled with this victory. I would like to thank everyone who participated in today’s event, and more so, for affording me the chance to win. My biggest advice to players is learning to play on any course."

T G Mundia, playing off handicap 9, took Men winner second on a score of 38 (20+18) stableford points.

Peter Mwangi, on a score of 36 (17+19) stableford points, finished third.

Wendy Jackson, playing off handicap 24, and with a score of 38 (18+20) stableford points, won the Ladies' title.

Ruth Karoki, playing off handicap 36, claimed Lady winner second prize on a score of 32 stableford points.

Playing off handicap 17, Muthaiga Golf Club’s Kaburu Mwirichia won the Guest prize with a score of 36 stableford points.

Mark Murimi, playing off handicap 8, picked the Gross prize on 81.