Challenge for players hunting Barclays Golf Circuit

By Oscar Pilipili

Action is expected this weekend in Nakuru for golf lovers as the eighth round of Barclays Golf Circuit comes alive at the par 73 Nakuru Golf Club Course.

Over 100 golfers drawn from Nakuru, Njoro, Great Rift, Gilgil and guest players are expected to battle it out for a slot to participate in the grand finale of the series slated for  February 2 at the Karen Golf Club.

While commenting on the highly anticipated game, Nakuru Golf Club Captain Karinga Wambugu said: “I am pleased to host the Barclays Golf Circuit tourney as such a time as this.

“We are in the festive mood, and this is the best time to enjoy a stress-free game at our splendid course. I am happy to note that many players have already registered and they are eager for the challenge.”

Wambugu added that the course is one of the most challenging golf courses in the country. He advised the players to keep to the fairways.

“As a smart golfer, you need to stick to the fairways and certainly you will have no trouble because the fairways are well manicured and quite welcoming, thanks to our green keeper. A slight wrong turn would mean problems for any player. ”

Hard target

Club officials revealed that the toughest hole on the course is hole 17, a par 3 with about 180 yards and has a long history in various competition.

They indicated that it has the longest valley from the tee box to the green and is quite intimidating. Hole 12, a par four is also tricky, causing trouble for both long and short hitters thus golfers should be braced for a tricky round of golf on the day.

The Circuit will offer top 20 golgers a ticket to the finals to play in the Barclays Kenya Open Pro Am 2013.

The pro-am is a dream for any amateur Golfer where they get an opportunity to play with mainly top European professionals who grace the Barclays Kenya Open.

Courtesy of Barclays Hospitality, all the participants will also get season tickets and VIP guest passes to the Barclays Hospitality Tent at the 2013 Barclays Kenya Open.

With this being the last qualifying round to close the year, close to 130 players have already booked their tickets for the face-off. The contest will start very early with players teeing off from 8.00 Am.

Barclays Kenya in partnership with Kenya Golf Union and participating Clubs will continue to raise resources throughout the circuit that will go towards supporting charitable initiatives that enhance the livelihoods of communities through financial literacy, enterprise skills and life skills.

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy is the near unanimous choice as the best male player by the Golf Writers Association of America.