Abid Ganatra wins Access Kenya title on Muthaiga course
Francis Chege follows the flight of his shot during Access Kenya Golf Day at Muthaiga Golf Club on October 4, 2014. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |
What you need to know:
- Playing off handicap 11 which was later reduced to nine, Ganatra carded 18 points in the first nine and 24 at the back nine for a total of 42.
- He won by a point from men’s winner Thomas Parkinson who combined 20 and 21 for 41.
Abid Ganatra, winner of the inaugural Mercedes Trophy in August, was again on the mark at the weekend as he beat 205 golfers to win the overall title at this year’s Access Kenya golf tournament at the par-71 Muthaiga Club course.
Playing off handicap 11 which was later reduced to nine, Ganatra carded 18 points in the first nine and 24 at the back nine for a total of 42.
He won by a point from men’s winner Thomas Parkinson who combined 20 and 21 for 41.
Raphael Jabba, playing off handicap 28, posted 39 points to finish second in the men’s section.
Leading the ladies was Olive Njagi with 38 points.
The staff prize went to J. Gachanja (28) and finishing top in the guest category was Mehrdad Ehsani on 40 points.
In the subsidiary category, Anthony Wachira took the men’s longest drive contest and Stella Gathigia emerged the winner in the ladies’ section.
The nearest to pin which was open to men and women was won by B. Wahogo.
Speaking after the event, Emily Kinuthia, Access Kenya’s head of marketing and communications, was happy with the turn out.
“We will have one more event at Limuru on November 1, the we start planning for next year,” said Kinuthia.
KAREN TITLE
At Karen Country Club, handicap five Anthony Mogere carded two over par 74 to take the gross title in the Karen Day and Chris Obura trophy sponsored by Coca-Cola.
In the nett section, Ali Mohammed carded nett 70 to win by a shot from Jimmy Kimondo and Karen chairman Tom Mulwa.
The ladies’ gross title went to Wanjira Kireri (87 gross) and Susan Kasinga won the nett on 72. Ben Johnstone was the best guest with 77 nett.
At Nyeri Golf Club, lady golfer Gladys Mwangi posted 20 and 21 for a total of 41 points to win the Kilifi Mandharini golf tournament, beating Charles Mwaniki by a point.
Samuel Ngugi was third on 39.
Mercy Mburu returned 38 points, beating Joel Githanda and Moses Karuga on countback.
George Kibira, playing off handicap five, won the gross title on 74 gross.
Meanwhile, former junior and senior national golf team player Abdul Sihag hit a string of birdies at the Tower Links Golf Course in the United Arab Emirates to share the first round lead in the Ras Al Khaimah Classic.
Sihag currently attached to Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi, picked up birdies at the first, eighth, 12th, 13th and 18th and dropped a shot at the ninth for four under par 68 to tie with Spain’s Toni Ferrer and England’s Ashley Rees at the top.
Weekend round-up:
Nakuru: Coopers Golf Day overall winner Joseph Nderitu 41 points, Ali Wazir 40, Josphine Wangari 39, Anoop Sahota 38. Lady winner Nancy Kimemia 37. Gross winner Alfred Nandwa 39, Nines; Kinuthia Mbugua (19), Daniel Cherono (22).
Thika: Combined Men Mug and Ladies Medal; Lady winner Rose Kiai 71 nett Jydy Waihenya 72, Njambi Njoroge 72. Gross Betty Ndenderu 82. Men Mug (Div A) Winner; Simon Ndungu 70, Patrick Kingori 75, (B) Maina Ruo 71, cb G.N.Kimani 71, (C) John Muriithi 75.
