Premium

Golfer Mohit Mediratta: It all started with fish and chips

Sigona Golf Club's Mohit Mediratta during the Magical Kenya Open at Muthaiga Golf Club on March 4, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

There are numerous reasons why people join golf.

The purposes are as diverse as the players themselves. Almost all professional golfers in Kenya who embraced the sport, were once caddies.

They joined the game for one reason; to make a fortune out of it.

But this is not so for one local hard-hitter, Mohit Mediratta, who joined the gentleman's game through his grandfather. He was 13-years-old when he made the memorable move.

"My grandfather Harish (Mediratta) and I used to play at Limuru and Sigona before I moved to South Africa, where I stayed for 11 years," Mediratta told Standard Sports.

"Harish used to take me to contest nine holes on the courses then gave me fish and chips afterwards," said Mediratta.

The 27-year-old was part of the Kenyan team that combed the fairways at par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi in search of glory in the 53rd edition of the Magical Kenya Open Golf Championships, which ended three weeks ago.

The Sigona Golf Club pro failed to make the cut in the Sh227 million total prize money event that was won by Chinese Ashun Wu, who went home with Sh37 million.

Mediratta was contesting in the tournament for the second time after his debut in 2018 where he made the cut together with Windsor Golf and Country Club pro Riz Charania.

Mediratta had a target, which was to go beyond the money bracket.

"I was looking for a respectable finish this season, although it did not work out, my focus now is on forthcoming events," he said.

Mediratta, who is partially based in South Africa, qualified for this year's Open after an impressive show in three of the 2021/22 Safari Tour series in Limuru, Karen and Muthaiga, where he made the cut in all the legs.

"Limuru was a tough one but I played so well in Karen," he said. "I used the tournaments as part of my preparations for the Kenya Open this season"

"They helped me to brush off, bash up, fine-tune and get ready for the big event."

Despite his poor show at the Open, Mediratta believes his game is moving from strength to strength, with each tournament.

"I have tightened up some lose ends. I'm always shaping up to become the best version of myself in the sport," he said.

"I really feel very sharp and focused. I'm hopeful for bigger things ahead," he added.

Mediratta missed last year's Open but took part in the Kenya Savannah Classic, which he failed to sail into the money bracket.

He reiterates that he is working on his short game; putting and chipping as he prepares for other tournaments this year.

Since turning pro in 2017, the former Sunshine Tour series player feels he has grown to become the polished golfer he is today.

"I feel I have a better head over my shoulder now, I can only get better."

His advice to those who want to join golf is simple.

"Train to make sure you feel comfortable; physically, mentally and technically ahead of any competition. Stay calm and be patient on the pitch."

"They should only embrace positive thoughts ahead of any game. They should not worry about how an event will turn out because this will give them unnecessary pressure. Just remain focused on the process," he said

Mediratta is among four players who have been sponsored by Absa Bank Kenya this year.

Others are Daniel Nduva of Nyali Golf Club, Simon Ngige of Thika Sports Club and David Wakhu of Golf Park.

The financial institution catered for their logistics in this year's Kenya Open to a tune of Sh3 million.

The money catered for their registration, payment of caddies as well as provision of necessary items such as shirts, gloves, golf balls and paid their bonuses based on performance.

Athletics
Kenya hoping to defend World Cross Country title in Belgrade
Football
Fifa threatens Kenya with ban again
Unique Sports
SCHOOLS: Lenana School, Kisumu Girls and Agoro Sare turn focus on national games finals
Motorsport
Safari Rally: 29 drivers set for epic showdown as Safari Rally zooms off