Julius Kioko kicks off new year in style in Machakos

Overall winner Julius Kioko displays his trophy at Machakos country club on Saturday night. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard] Home club's Julius Kioko opened the new year in style by grabbing a major title at the par 72 Machakos Country club course in Machakos county on Saturday after beating a team of 195 golfers. The handicap 15 golfer played cool in bringing home an excellent 42 stable ford points to emerge the overall winner of the ninth edition of the ICEA LION King of the Course 2025 golf series 'year opener'. It was indeed his day on the course, leveling an amazing ten pars and a mixed bogey shot on the rest of the 18 holes to emerge the top leader of the tournament. "It has been a brilliant day with all my putting going the right way. It was also enjoyable playing with my four ball team and indeed I am really excited to start the year as the winner in such a big event. I will continue with my practicing schedule to further improve my swings and putting. To my colleagues, watch out, here is the man to watch in the Club, "said Kioko. David Mwangangi playing off handicap 16 was the men's winner on a count back score of 41 points after tying on the same score with runners up placed handicap 19 L.M.Kamba. Handicap 15 Mutuku Musyoka on 39 points and handicap 18 John Nzioka with 38 points finished third and fourth respectively. The Lady winner's title on 41 points was claimed by handicap 34 Mercy Nderitu and handicap 24 Susan Musyoka brought 38 points to take the runners up spot. Peter Mukuria playing off handicap 34 won the staff's prize after carding 32 points while Francis Njeru playing off handicap 11 was the senior's winner with 35 points as handicap 24 Edward Chebii brought 38 points to win the guest's prize. The subsidiary men's winner was handicap 32 Michael Ngao who recorded 46 points and the same for the lady was won by handicap 41 Rosaita Mbukia who scored a total of 39 points. This event follows the resounding success of last year's 8th edition which unfolded across seven different clubs nationwide and concluded with a spectacular grand finale in October 2024 at the plush Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa County. Machakos golf club captain Edwin Saluny thanked the large numbers of players for turning up to make the tournament successful. The king of the course golf captain Joe Mboya said the golf circuit is a key fixture in ICEA LION's annual events calendar and a cornerstone of its strategic objectives for customer-centricity and continuous brand engagement. "The grand winner of the 2024 series has been scheduled to participate in the 2024 Lekoa Classic in April 2025 at Parys Golf & Country Estate-Vaal De Grace, in South Africa, "said Mboya. ICEA LION General manager Peter Mukuria said this tournament marks the beginning of the 9th Edition of the King of the Course golf series this year and looking forward to even more golfers participating in the coming editions across the country. "We love Machakos and always look forward to coming back here where it all began and where we start the new year. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for gracing us with your presence at this first tournament and also believe that being this early in the year, it is appropriate that I wish you all a Happy New Year, "said Mukuria. Overall winner Julius Kioko (2nd right) receives his overall trophy from ICEA LION group's Evelyn Nyambura in presence of the group's Chairman Joe Wangai (right) and General Manager Peter Mukuria (left) at Machakos country club on Saturday night. [Maarufu Mohamed,Standard] He further recognized the organizers, the management of the club, and the participants who have worked hard to make this tournament a great success. "Your dedication and hard work have created an atmosphere of sportsmanship that embodies the spirit of both golf and business. Last year, we recorded a turnout of 157 golfers today, we have surpassed that record with 19 5golfers, an achievement that is a testament to the excellent organization of this event as well as the unwavering support for the ICEA LION King of the Course. We are truly grateful for your resounding support, "noted Mukuria. ICEA LION group Chairman Joe Wangai said they are thrilled on the success of the year opener tournament at Machakos course which witnessed a celebration of excellence and a platform for meaningful engagement with their clients and stakeholders. "Apart from the ongoing series, the group's commitment to social responsibility is also reflected in the ongoing support of the Junior Golf Foundation and that by investing in junior golf, the group is nurturing the next generation of talent, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and passion for the game in a supportive environment, said Wangai. This tournament was the first in the eleven series earmarked for the year with next action moving to Ruiru Sports Club on February 8, which is expected to attract a formidable field of over 250 golfers. The series will then proceed to Nanyuki Sports Club on March 8, followed

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Julius Kioko kicks off new year in style in Machakos

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