Humble Marubu triumphs in Naivasha

Naivasha Sports Club captain Michael Kianja tees off on the par-four 10th hole, on Saturday. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

A home course advantage presented Anthony Marubu with the coveted Captain (Michael Kianji) 2024 prize at the nine-hole Naivasha Sports Club course layout over the weekend.

The course tilting 6,139 yards was in impeccable shape and was playing easy for the 98 golfers who took part in the stableford scoring format meet presented by Gold Gas, Hotel Chambai Safari, Kalalu Building and Construction, Superior Hotels.

Others were, Aga Khan University Hospital, Pillar Audio Visual and East Africa Breweries (EABL) Johnnie Walker.

Marubu, playing off handicap 22, inked a stunning score of 43 stableford points to clinch the title.

"It was a lucky day for me and I'm humbled to emerge as the overall winner of this well-organised event by our Captain Kianja together with the main committee," Marubu said.

The men's winner prize was won by Francis Ndungu, playing off handicap 21 after carding a better score of 40 stableford points with a stronger countback score than the men's winner second, Benson Kihara, who brought in a similar score of 40 stableford points.

David Munga and Charles Gatambo were Men winners third and fourth on an identical score of 37 stableford points respectively.

Crowned as the Lady winner was Anne Mburi on a neat score of 38 stableford points, while the clubs' Lady Captain, Tabitha Kiragu, playing off handicap 18, settled for the Lady winner's second prize on a score of 27 stableford points.

Heralding the visiting golfers' list of honour was Wilson Thiuru from Embu Golf Club, playing off handicap 25 on a score of 36 stableford points.

Patrick Ngaruiya was second with a score of 34 stableford points. Eliud Muya was third also on a score of 34 stableford points, while Nakuru Golf Clubs' Robert Obondy took the winner fourth prize on a score of 33 stableford points.

Reaping his tee shot the furthest was Moses Koskei from Nyahururu Sports Club as he clinched the Longest Men winner prize. The Longest Lady winner prize was won by Florence Wairimu.

Dialing in his tee shot Nearest to the Pin on the par-three 15th hole was Shadrack Mella, as Grace Wanjiku bagged the Nearest to Pin Lady winner prize.

Best among Division three golfers was Dennies Paul, who returned a score of 35 stableford points playing off handicap 30.

Handicap 4, Philemon Sabulei, carded 82 Gross points to win the Gross prize.

"There's need for clubs in this region to support each other and plans are at an advanced stage to start the South Rift region District league that will include Nakuru Golf Club, Nyahururu Golf Club, Njoro Golf and Country Club and the Great Rift Valley Golf Resort soon." Robert Obondi, Kenya Golf Union (KGU), South Rift Representative said during the presentation gala.

His sentiments were echoed by Naivasha Sports Club Captain, Michael Kianja.

"We need to bring together our various clubs from time to time to interact and find ways of growing the game of golf."