Odhiambo wins pro title at Nyali Open

Nyanza Golf Club’s David Odhiambo survived a last round challenge by Royal Nairobi’s Greg Snow to claim the pro title in the 2014 Nyali Open at Nyali Golf and Country Club course where George Munyao took the amateur title.

Odhiambo, whose last victory was in the Jamii Telkom about two years ago, fired one over par 72 for a four-round total of one over par 285, beating Snow by two shots.

The closing round included four birdies, three single bogeys and a double bogey at the 10th.

“It was a tough round with Snow breathing down my neck, but I’m happy I eventually won,’’ said Odhiambo, who has finished second or third in several events. He took home the cash prize of Sh171,000.

Snow managed to level the course (71) for 287, having made a birdie at the first hole and three others at the back nine against four bogeys. “I missed five greens and made several bad putts. Nothing seemed to work for me today,’’ said Snow.

FINISHING FOURTH

Vet Lab’s Brian Njoroge, with the best round of three under par 68 made of four birdies and a bogey at the 10th, was third on 288.

Finishing fourth on 290 was newly elected chairman of the Professional Golfers of Kenya Jacob Okello who shot one under par 70 for the day.

In the amateurs category, Munyao also fought a close battle with Muthaiga’s Jeff Kubwa before clinching the title with a 54-hole total of 227, winning by three shots from Vet Lab’s Robinson Owiti.

Owiti beat Kubwa on countback to take the runners-up prize on 230 after posting 76 in the final round against Kubwa’s 77. Champion Munyao said his hole by hole approach worked for him in this year’s championship sponsored by NIC Bank, ICEA-Lion Group, Mitchell Cotts and Mombasa Continental Resort.

Samuel Kahindi, who triumphed in 2005, was the last Coast-based golfer to win the event.