Nanu strategy pays off with Nakuru Chairman's Prize win

Despite the challenging and often frustrating placement of pinless hole positions, Nanu Hassanali scored 35 stableford points, ultimately winning the Chairman Titus Lusaka 2025 prize at the renowned Nakuru Golf Club layout over the weekend.

It was a bad ordeal for the more than 200 golfers who took to the course but Nanu kept his cool playing a strategic game, skilfully manoeuvring through the course with caution and precision to triumph.

Playing off handicap 8, Nanu had some good and bad breaks, he converted with his non-aggressive play, free from the pressure of holdups after teeing off in the first flight, which set off at 6:30 am.

"It's been a wonderful outing, albeit a challenging one," Nanu said. "I set a personal goal to improve my score by one shot, and achieved exactly that, culminating in this victory."

Many other golfers faced considerable difficulties due to the non-confirming pin placements, which caused complications, particularly for those adopting more aggressive strategies on the course.

The event also served as a significant occasion, celebrating the transition of leadership as Chairman Lusaka handed over the reins to the newly elected Chairman, Eric Nderitu. Under Lusaka's guidance, he and his committee played an instrumental role in spearheading the club's strategic initiative aimed at propelling it into the future.

In Division One, Franklin Kipyator, also with 35 stableford points, trailed Nanu.

After struggling in a midweek matchplay championship, George Wayne, fondly known as Wantam,  suffered a disappointing 9/8 loss to Emma Penington, he rebounded with an outstanding claim at the pole position in Division 2 with 39 stableford points, followed by Robert Langat, who finished with 33 stableford points.

Leading in Division 3 was Charles Terer, who brought back 35 stableford points ahead of Rose Muthoni with 33 stableford points.

In form, Luther Kamau, playing off -1, carded 31 stableford points to claim the Gross prize. Jack Songwa of Kakamega Sports Club was declared the Guest winner with a score of

Jeff Storry and Pari Maisuria won the Senior and Junior prizes with 29 stableford points each.

Long-hitting, Sarat Singh won the Nearest to Pin contest on the par-three fourth hole.

Stephen Imbwaga won the Straightest Men prize, while Rose Muthoni claimed the Straightest Lady prize.

The Karen Golf and Country Club hosted the launch of the Road-to-Somabay World Cup – Egypt Golf Tournament qualifier which brought together both professional and amateur golfers in the region for an exceptional display of skills and sportsmanship.

Organized by Michezonet and le Club Golf, and has already been held in Mauritius for the past five years and highlights Egypt’s growing prominence in the world of golf.

A series of nine qualifiers will be held at Limuru Country Club on June 21, Sigona Golf Club on June 24, Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club on July 5, and Ruiru Sports Club on July 12.

Other venues are,  Muthaiga Golf Club on July 19, Karen Country Club on July 26, Nakuru Golf Club on August 2, and Kericho Golf Club on August 16, while the venue and date for the National Grand Finale are yet to be confirmed.

Two eventual winners will represent Kenya at the Somabay World Cup, which will host players from 29 countries at the Somabay Golf Course layout in Somabay, Egypt, designed by the legendary Gary Player in October.

During the launch, handicap 11, Clyde Phiri won with a compact score of 40 stableford points. Moses Cheboi was second with 39 stableford points, while Edwin Kinisu was third with a similar score of 39 stableford points.

Agnes Nyakio settled for fourth place with 38 stableford points, beating Malinson Koech on countback with 38 stableford points