Ganatra tops big field to win KAA title at Muthaiga
Richard Ainley tees off from the first tee during Rapid Golf Challenge on August 26, 2014 at Muthaiga Golf Club. The three Kenyan professionals featuring in the 2014 Mena Tour easily cruised through to the money list of the tour’s third leg, the Dubai Creek Open at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yatch Club. PHOTO| CHRIS OMOLLO
What you need to know:
- Nakanjako won by one point from Ling Bai and in third place with 35 points was Susan Kanyora who beat Lucy Muhinga on countback
- The staff prize went to Yatich Kanguyo on 36 and club captain Bhavnish Chandaria shot one under par 70 to claim the gross title
Raiyan Ganatra beat a field of more than 200 players to win the overall title in the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) tournament at the par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club at the weekend.
Playing off handicap 28, Ganatra, posted 17 points in the first nine and didn’t appear as a top contender for one of the prizes but a brilliant finish at the back nine, where he posted 24 points, saw him card 41 points for his maiden victory.
Yogendra Nandha carded 18 points in the front nine although, like Ganatra, he improved in the back nine firing 22 for 40 points to win the men’s first prize.
Veteran golfer George Njugu popularly known as “Ballesterous”, playing off handicap five, carded 39 points to finish second, beating former Moi University Vice Chancellor David Kimutai, some on countback.
Some took the third prize while the ladies’ winners was A.S. Nakanjako on 38 points. Nakanjako won by one point from Ling Bai and in third place with 35 points was Susan Kanyora who beat Lucy Muhinga on countback.
BEST PLAYER
Machakos Golf Club’s Larry Wambua was the best guest with 38 points. Playing off handicap six he won by two points from Nancy Steinmann of Nakuru while Nyali’s Charles Odoo carded 32 to finish third.
“My game is getting back to wher it is used to be. I played well although I made a few bad shots which cost me the guest prize,” Odoo said.
The staff prize went to Yatich Kanguyo on 36 and club captain Bhavnish Chandaria shot one under par 70 to claim the gross title.
At Kitale, Priv Dodhia beat Aron Kitur on countback with 39 points to emerge the leading qualifier to the grand finale of the 2014/2015 Barclays Bank Golf Circuit where Kitale Club will be represented by six players.
WINNERS
In third place was lady golfer Clare Chesire on 38 points while Dickson Masindano and Charles Yano finished fourth and fifth respectively with 37 points.
At Thika, Walter Njenga clinched the Engineers Golf tournament with 41 points made up of 19 and 22. Tom Ochieng was second on 38 points beating Simon Mukiri on countback.
Duncan Ndungu was fourth on 37 points while Rose Kigwe was the best lady with a score of 33 points, beating Judy Waihenya on countback. Simon Ngugi took the gross on 29 points and L.U.
Kim was the best guest with 38 points.
At Karen, Peter Waweru posted gross 80 to win the gross title as Brian Sun on nett 70 claimed the A division prize in the September Mug and Ladies Medal No. 10 sponsored by I&M Bank.
