John Thuo aims for glory at Kenya Seed Classic

 

Patrick Matindi lines his putt during Standard County Golf Classic at Nakuru Golf Club, on February 5, 2022. [Harun Wathari, Standard]

Former champion John Thuo will be among players to watch in the second leg of the 2022 Kenya Seed Classic Golf series at the par 73 Kitale Club this weekend.

He is expected to fend off strong opposition from handicap 3.7 hard-hitter Philip Shirharsi, who is among the over 100 players taking part in the two-day event, whose ultimate prize is a heifer, which will be awarded by Kenya Seed Company Managing Director Fred Oloibe.

David Chelimo, who won the opening leg of the season at the Eldoret Club last month, has warned his rivals to brace for a tough battle on the pristine Kitale fairways.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, who bagged the guest prize in the Eldoret event, said he will not relent in his quest to bag the tournament’s top prize.

Elly Barno of Nandi Bears, who has been consistent in the Kenya Amateur Gold Championships, is hopeful that his good run will be replicated in the event.

The second leg of the 41st edition of the annual tournament has also attracted prolific players from the expansive western region including Eldoret, Kericho, Nandi Bears, Nyanza and Kakamega.

Ugandan clubs that have confirmed participation include Jinja, Entebbe, Kampala, Arua and Tororo.

Players have been advised to be wary of hole 16, which is dog-legged. Despite the challenging hole, the golfers will meet attractive greens that are neatly trimmed despite of the ongoing dry season.

“The fairways are also well maintained,” said Kenya Seed Company Senior Corporate Communications Officer, Jane Gitau.

“The players should expect warm weather because the rains in the region are almost here with the planting season expected towards the end of this month.”

“This is a rare opportunity for us to communicate and show our products to the world. We are going to promote our brand and strengthen our networking,” Gitau said.

Founded 65 years ago in Kitale, the company strives to appreciate its farmers through the tournaments.

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