THE CONTEST IS ON: Over 200 players head to Nakuru for The Standard County Classic Golf championship

Over 200 experienced players head to Nakuru Golf Club tomorrow in the chase for top honours as last year’s edition of The Standard County Classic Golf Championship resumes at the par 73 club this weekend.

The players who include long hitters drawn from a number of clubs in the region and from Nairobi are expected to face off in a bruising tussle in one of the best golf courses in Western Kenya that is turning green following recent short rains.

The players are drawn from Nakuru Golf Club, Naivasha Sports Club, Nyahururu Sports Club, Njoro Golf Club, Great Rift Valley Golf Club and Gilgil Golf Club with the first tee-off at 6.40am.

Others are from Kericho Club, Nandi Bears and Eldoret Club and a number of players from Nairobi Golf Courses.

The long hitters expected to make it more competitive are led by Luther Kamau, John Kamais, Hillary Korir and Kysto Sisenda.

According to Nakuru Golf Club Captain Robert Obondy, he expects a tough competition with seasoned players eyeing the top prize.

The lady golfers to watch are Susan Ikua, Mary Kiruthi and Melvin Steinmann. Others are Esther Karuga, Shiro Kaime and Nancy Kimemia.

The staff players coming for the gruelling contest are led by defending champion Joseph Yego, Sammy Mose, Salim Bwika and Orlando lyomu.

According to Obondy, the challenging holes on the first nine are Hole Number 13, a par 5 Stroke Index 2 and Number 17, a par3 Stroke Index 10.

“At hole 13, it is long and the tee is very short making it difficult to approach as there are trees ahead. One has to lower the ball in order to get a clear second short,” he said.

“At hole 17, a par3 Stroke Index 10, it is with a donga protecting the approach of the green. The green has a banker to the left hand side,” he added.

In the second nine, the challenging hole is Hole Number 7 a par 4, stroke index 1, which is tricky with a tree shielding the green and a banker protecting the same green.