Gachai floors 89 golfers to bag Standard County Classic title

Handicap 23 home golfer Robert Gachai fired 43 stableford points to clinch the third leg of the 2021-2022 Standard County Golf Classic Series at par 72 Nanyuki Sports Club at the weekend.

The 24-year-old defeated 89 participants who took part in the championship that advocates for sustainable action against climate change.

"It was a great day for me.The greens were quite favourable and I had a good team behind my back," he told Standard Sports.

"I had enough practice on the course ahead of the tournament. I hope to turn professional very soon," he added.

The event supported its theme 'On the Green Course, for the Green Cause' by planting trees at a section of the well-manicured course.

While planting the trees, tournament partners FMD East Africa demonstrated one of its equipment, the post hole digger.

Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, Standard Group PLC Chief Executive Officer Orlando Lyomu and Chief Talent Officer Nicholas Siwatom, FMD East Africa General Manager Fergus Robley and Nanyuki Sports Club captain Moses Muthoki led other participants in planting trees.

"We are glad to be co-sponsors of the tournament. We support the championship theme because it resonates with our agenda. The theme is very active in the moment with climate and the challenges that it brings," Robley said.

"Now with agriculture, we are all going to be responsible. Linking us in, allowing us to sponsor the event and bring in the machinery proves that we got the actual support from our partners," Robley added.

Robely said good farming practices depend on being responsible for the atmosphere because people must understand that the championship theme is all about the carbon cycle and how people farm today.

"It is massively important that we take the carbon cycle into consideration as we aim to get to the zero point. Indeed, farming does cause carbon because we are playing with the soil and plants. The key thing is to ensure we do food production responsibly," Robley said.

Lyomu said Standard Group will always advocate for tree planting wherever the tournament goes.

"We will make sure we mobilise and ensure more trees are planted," he said.

"Our intention is not just for us to plant but also to sensitise people on the importance of tree planting. The recommended tree coverage scale is 10 percent and I think the world is way below that," said Lyomu.

"Remember, global warming is a reality, sometimes you wonder how far it can go before everyone realises it's a serious issue."

Laikipia Governor, Ndiritu Muriithi, was happy with his form in the tournament saying he played for a worthy cause.

"As a county, Laikipia is proud to be part of the championship theme. The game was in line with the question; what do we do about climate change? It's a good thing to do something positive for the society and also enjoy golf," he said.

Overall winner: Robert Gachai 43 stableford points.

Men winner: Gabriel Miungi 38

Ladies winner: Helen Kurutu 32

Guest winner: Ken Gichuru of Vet Lab 35

Staff winner: Orlando Lyomu 30

Longest Drive Men: Malcom Wilson

Longest Drive Lady: Carol Mokaya

Nearest to the pin: Stephen Mbaya

Best effort: Hawkins Musili 15

Two Club winners (awarded 41 balls each) Cyprian Bundi and S.Gachiu