Gitonga wins monthly mug in Nanyuki

Joe Wainaina tees off on the par-four first during September Monthly Mug tournament at Nanyuki Sports Club on Saturday. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

His swift swings and steadiness on the course is often a spectacular sight.

And Kelvin Gitonga is a gifted golfer who dismisses opponents in tournaments without much fuss thanks to his mastery of long drives.

He seems to borrow wise counsel from America's Arnold Palmer, one of the greatest golfers who once said:"The more you practice, the luckier you become."

Gitonga, handicap 11, produced 2-under 72 to win September Monthly Mug at the Nanyuki Sports Club on Saturday. The victory earned him a slot for the club championship to be held at the club later in the year.

Gitonga posted 33 nett from his outward nine and 36 nett from his inward nine to win with 69 nett.

The Monthly Mug was presented by club member Phillip Ngaru in association with Shell (Vivo Energy Kenya), The Moran Lounge – Nanyuki, Glu Care, Acorn Holdings, Kent Africa Limited and Newham Africa Limited.

Gitonga said: “My performance has not been good of late but I had trained well. It paid some dividends."

The victory earned him a qualifying slot to the annual club championship which has become one of the major club events in the recent past.

It was a great day for seasoned golfers thanks to the medal-scoring format which saw most of them win as high handicappers took back seats.

Playing off handicap 16, Kiama Kaara came second after firing 2-under 70 as Michael Mwirigi, handicap 12, finished third with 70 nett.

Purity Githui, handicap 12 and at 1-under 71, wore the women's crown ahead of Syonzi Mutua at 1-over 73.

In the guest category, Patrick Karani playing off handicap 17, returned to the club house with 77nett to take guest winner prize. Junior prize was won by Chaveez Kaara, a handicap 27, with 100 nett.

Luka Mwangi and Francis Nabuk on 33nett and 34nett respectively won the nines.

Longest drive men's prize went to Mark Kirimi while Stella Kabugi won longest drive Lady winner prize with Charles Rob claiming nearest to Pin prize on the homestretch 18th hole.

Kiama had a ball haul after sinking a two on the par-three third hole to win 39 golf balls.

At the Railway Golf Club nine-hole course, Lawrence Kinyori posted 38 stableford points to lift International Day of Peace golf title sponsored by National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).

Moses Cheboi, playing off handicap 20, won the men's contest after firing 38 stableford points. George Kiai settled for second place with 36 nett as Tom Muriithi came in third with 36 stableford points.

Handicap 19 Eunice Kilonzo carded 38 stableford points to emerge as lady winner ahead of Dorris Night who posted 35 stableford points.

Sponsor winner prize went to Brian Kimeu, 17 on a score of 36 stableford points with Ambassador Fred Matwanga bagging Guest prize on an authoritative score of 42 stableford points.