Mathenge with the winning swing as he floors 67 in Nanyuki

Seasoned golfer Francis Mathenge is the winner of the July Monthly Mug golf tournament played at par-72 Nanyuki Sports Club over the weekend.

Mathenge, playing off handicap 15, fired a sterling score of 69 nett to claim the overall prize in the tournament that also doubled-up as the launch of the Club Championship qualifier.

The meet was presented by paint maker Crown Paints, Toyota Kenya, Hotel Waterbuck – Nakuru and Kenya Nut Company.

Others were; Tropikal Brands Kenya Limited, Raka Cheese, Du-Vin Traders, Nyags Creations, Wamz Kollections and ICEA LION Group.

A field of 67 golfers took part in the day-long meet played under clear skies.

While delivering the winner’s speech, Mathenge lauded his playing partners and the favourable weather condition that saw him deliver his A-game.

“I had the pleasure of playing alongside a formidable four-ball which included, Daktari wa golf Major-General Peter Waweru (retired), former Captain John Mathai and long-hitting rookie Steve Nduguta,” said Mathenge

On his outward nine, Mathenge had two pars on the par-four second and par-four fourth. He then bogeyed the opener, a par-four, par-three third, par-four fifth, par-five seventh, eighth and par-three ninth holes.

He realised his other bogeys on the par-three 12th, par-four 14th, par-four 15th, par-five 16th, par-five 17th and the homestretch, a par-three 18th. He had a lone birdie on the par-four 13th.

Mathenge edged out the hard-hitting Charles Rob on countback with a similar score of 69 nett. Stephen Wambugu was Men third on 69 nett, while Gabriel Miungi settled for Men winner fourth on 70 nett.

Lady Captain Hellen Kurutu, on a score of 87 nett, triumphed in the Ladies’ category.

Peter Waweru, playing off handicap 5, won the Senior winner prize on a score of 74 Nett while Cyprian Bundi bagged the Gross prize with 71 Gross.

Martin Maina of Golf Park won the Guest Men Prize with a score of 69 nett.

Timothy Nguo won Guest Runner-up on a score of 70 nett while Winnie Waiganjo of Nyeri Golf Club took Lady Guest winner prize on a score of 74 nett.

In the commercials; former captain John Mathai won the First Nine prize on a score of 35 nett, with current club captain Mark Kirimi taking the Second Nine prize on a score of 34 nett.

Peter Rimui dropped the ball closest to the pin in the men’s category, while Mary Wainaina won in the ladies’ category.

At the Machakos Sports Club, Major Mumo beat General Musomba on a countback score of 20 stableford points to win the Ndumberi Curtain raiser Clubnite.

Timothy Ruhiu was third with 19 stableford points.

At the Thika Greens Golf Resort, F Muraya, playing off handicap 11, carded 42 stableford points to claim Friends of the Captain Tournament sponsored by Kamp Agencies and Mugumo Farm.