Matano beats big field to win Kenya Forestry tourney

David Matano, one of the leading amateur golfers at Thika Sports Club, over the weekend beat a large field of over 200 golfers at the par 72 Thika Sports Club course to claim the overall prize in the Kenya Forest Service tournament.

Playing off handicap six, Matano birdied the second and nine holes at the front nine where he also dropped a shot at the sixth.

At the back nine, he bogeyed the 11th and 12th and the 14th and 18th with birdie birdies at the 13th and 16th for his impressive score of  41 points.

"I am happy posting such a score despite the five bogeys I made," said Matano. David Ndekere, a new-comer playing off handicap 28 carded 18 and 22 for 40 points to clinch the men’s first prize, beating second placed player Walter Njenga by a point.

In the ladies category, Eunice Muthemba combined 18 and 20 to take the first prize ahead of Rose Ikenye on 37 points.

Kenya Forest Services Chief Communications Officer and immediate past captain at Thika Sports Club Charles Ngunjiri playing off handicap 13, posted 15 points in each nine for 30 points to claim the staff prize as Angelas Maina on 41 points emerged the best guest. 

Though the Kenya Forest Service has sponsored two events already at Karen and Kenya Air Force Golf Clubs, this was the first official event in the KFS annual golf series. The event was followed by tree planting by the various golfers who participated in the tournament.

At Kiambu, Julius Kinuthia playing off handicap 21 posted 39 points, made up of 21 in the out ward nine and 18 from the back nine, to win the sixth edition of the annual Mountain Classic golf tournament.

The men’s winner was William Muguima who carded 16 and 21 for 38 to claim his first major prize. He however won on countback from Samuel Macharia who combined 18 and 19.

In third place was Charles Nduati also on  37, and one better than Mwangi Ngibuini with 36 points.

In the ladies section, June Waweru fired 20 and 17 to claim the ladies prize. Joseph Kimani took the first nine on 19 points beating Larry Njue, Paul Gituku and Peter Kangaru on count back as David Mathenge with 19 points beat Albert Ngunjiri on count back for the second nine.

Larry Njue however led the sponsors with 32 points and ahead of Mountain Classic patron Morris Njue  on 30. For the Young Talent category, Michael Ngene carded 41 to win well ahead of the rest.

One of the Mountain Classic founders Njeru Njagi said the condition of the course was tough because of the rains though golfers still managed to post impressive scores.

"This was one of the best Mountain Classic events, thanks to our patron Morris Njue who made the 19th hole more interesting," said Njagi.