Ockotch in top form at Nyali series

Mombasa-based lawyer Provia Odhiambo in the Johnnie Walker series. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

Christine Ockotch led a formidable team of Florence Karimi, Martin Ombura and Mburu Kariuki in bringing a combined score of 131 points to emerge the overall team winners in the 11th leg of the ongoing Johnnie Walker golf series, in Mombasa, on Saturday.

The team sailed to the lead through a tight race with only a three-point difference between the team of Jon Stokes, Pauline Gachihi, Mary Kandu and Petronilah Kalee, who returned a combined countback score of 128 points to claim the team runner-up slot at the par 71 Nyali Golf and Country Club course.

They tied on the same score with third-placed team winners of Joyce Masai, Alice Wahome, Martin Wahome and Lumatete Muchai.

Mombasa-based lawyer Provia Odhiambo, playing off handicap 23 and handicap 27 Naveed Arif  were the individual top players of the day having brought an excellent 43 points each to claim the Lady winner and Men winner’s prizes respectively.

“The time put in this game seems to be paying off because for the past week, my focus has been on improving my drive and shot game and I am glad that practice came in handy in my victory in  two categories,” Provia, who was also the Longest Drive lady winner, said.

The 18-hole tournament, which is sponsored by Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), attracted 153 golfers from the home club, Seafront Mombasa, Leisure, Vipingo, Malindi and guests of the sponsors with valid handicaps. [Maarufu Mohamed]

Peter Gathuri, playing off handicap 15, was the Men runner-up on a countback score of 38 points, while handicap 23 Harsimran Kaur brought 40 points to bag the Lady runner-up slot.

The top three overall teams of 12 players each, now join others from previous series for the tournament’s Eagles Round (semi-finals) at Muthaiga Golf Club in May.

The golfers will be seeking to make the cut and play in the Series’ Grand Finale where an all-paid trip to the iconic Gleneagles Golf Course in Scotland will be up grabs.

Club vice captain Sandeep Gudka thanked KBL for bringing the series to Nyali.

After Nyali, the next series will now be held at Limuru Country Club for the 12th leg on Saturday.

Meanwhile at Nyahururu Sports Club, handicap 12 Thomas Mundia carded 41 nett to emerge the overall winner of the March 2022 Babies golf tournament.

Handicap 2 Cryus Lwenhyi was the March Babies winner on 38 nett.