Captain’s Prize at Nyali attracts amateurs, pros

What you need to know:

  • In-form Joyce Masai, who won the Lady Captain’s prize last weekend, will be out for a double this weekend.
  • Nyali is in an excellent condition but, like during the Nyali Open, visiting players will have to contend with the heat and the strong winds particularly those drawn in the afternoon.

Kenya’s top 10 amateurs, along with some professional golfers, join Nyali members this weekend for the 2016 Captain’s Prize (Keli Muindi) at the par 71 Nyali Golf and Country Club course.

This is the first time since the 2015 KCB Tour finals that the pros are returning to Nyali and is the second time in less than two months for the top 10 amateurs to play at Nyali having been there during December’s Nyali Open.

Vet Lab’s Edwin Mudanyi shot an impressive one over par 214 to win the 54-hole Nyali Open by six shots from local hero Mathew Wahome.

The top amateurs who have been invited are GOTY champion Kenneth Bollo (Royal), Anthony Irungu (Muthaiga), John Karichu (Limuru), Dennis Saikwa (Royal) and Samuel Njoroge (Railway).

SHARPEN THEIR SKILLS

Others are Alfred Nandwa (Railway), Edwin Mudanyi (Vet Lab), George Felix (Railway), Paul Muchangi (Limuru), and Robinson Owiti (Vet Lab).

Leading the pros will be home pro Njuguna Ngugi while others will be John Wangai, Fred Kamau, Ali Kimani, David Wakhu, Jacob Okello, Sullivan Muthugia, Aly Orende and John Davis.

“This being just the start of the season where most of top amateurs and the pros are preparing for the Barclays Kenya Open and other international events, this will be a good opportunity for them to sharpen up their skills,” said Nyali captain Keli Muindi who also said their presence will spice up the event. 

“These two teams will compete for special prizes, while the club members will vie for prizes reserved for them,” added Muindi whose event follows last weekend’s colourful Lady Captain’s Prize.

HEAT AND STRONG WINDS

This weekend’s tournament is sponsored by EABL, Pwani FM, Kelon Insurance Brokers and friends of the captain.

Among the members expected to play well include national team player Daniel Nduva who finished 11th during last weekend’s Sigona Bowl with rounds of 77, 76 and 78.

In-form Joyce Masai, who won the Lady Captain’s prize last weekend, will be out for a double this weekend.

Nyali is in an excellent condition but, like during the Nyali Open, visiting players will have to contend with the heat and the strong winds particularly those drawn in the afternoon.