Professional golfers of Kenya pick team for the coveted tournament

Golf-KCB TIMOTHY KURIA (R)-GEORGE MAKORI (L); Kenya Commercial bank (KCB) Head of Energy-Corporate Banking Timothy Kuria (right) presents the overall winner's trophy to George Makori (left) at Royal Nairobi golf club house in Nairobi County on Saturday,015th June , 2019 night.[Maarufu Mohamed,Standard]

Home club’s George Makori survived narrowly to claim a slot in the final leg of the Pro-Am Road to 2019 KCB Karen Masters qualification that ended at the par 72 Royal Nairobi course, at the weekend.

Playing off handicap 15, Makori carded 39 stableford points to claim victory in the day-long 18-hole Kenya Commercial Bank sponsored tournament that attracted 158 players.

The golfer’s victory came after sinking a single rare birdie at the par four-fifth hole, with  seven level pars against seven bogey shots and three double bogeys.

“I am delighted with this victory and to qualify for the Masters is a dream come true. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to brush shoulders with top players at the Sunshine Tour,” said Makori.  

Club mate handicap 05 Robert Nyanchonga, who claimed the Men winner slot on a countback score of 38 points after tying on the same score with handicap 25 Men runner-up, also made the cut.

Among the six club players who also qualified include Lady Winner handicap 24 Jessica Kang, who had 33 points.

Others are handicap 26 Mulli Kavita of Machakos, who won the Guest prize winner on 39 points and Limuru’s handicap 16 Timothy Kuria, who was the staff winner on 28 points.

Royal Club’s Charles Machani with 29 points was lucky to have been picked through a wild card slot to fill the final sixth place.

This was the final leg after Sigona, Nakuru, Nyali, and Thika Sports Club where each leg produced six qualifies.

Earlier on Wednesday, 30 local professionals played a 54-hole strokes play where Mumias’ long-hitting professional Dismas Indiza won on a round total score of 214 gross.

Sigona’s C. J Wangai, who is also the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) captain and Muthaiga’s Greg Snow, tied for the second place on a round total of 218 gross each.

Rift Valley’s Justus Madoya was third with 219 gross.

PGK has now picked their 30 players who are set to begin their training sessions at Karen course from this week.

This is in preparation for the 2019 KCB Karen Masters championships slated for June 27-30 at the Karen Country Club.

Amateurs will compete on June 26. The KCB Karen Masters tournament is a Sunshine Tour event and will be coming to Kenya for the second time.

An estimated field of 140 South Africam-based golf professionals are expected in Nairobi from this weekend.

The event is the most lucrative tournament on the Sunshine Tour with an increased total prize kitty of Sh15 million, up from Sh13.57m.