Muketha flies high in KQ Series

Ajit Shah follows the flight of his tee shot from the 10th tee during Kenya Airways Golf Series yesterday at the Muthaiga Golf Club. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • The handicap 16 Muketha, hardly known by even some of his club-mates, produced an impressive 39 points despite scratching two holes at the front nine.
  • The handicap 11 Njagi combined 19 points from each half to claim the two domestic return tickets after beating Vignir Demmusson (20, 18), and Michael Mutiga (21, 17) on countback.
  • Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, both KQ CEO Mbuvi Ngunze and finance director Alex Mbugua said the huge turnout was a testament of the popularity of the series.

Middle handicap player, Ben Muketha, emerged the best in a record field that graced the 11th leg of the Kenya Airways Golf Safari Series at the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Club course at the weekend.

The handicap 16 Muketha, hardly known by even some of his club-mates, produced an impressive 39 points despite scratching two holes at the front nine.

“I really did not think I stood any chance of winning this event particularly after some bad holes at the first nine,’’ said Muketha who attributed his victory to his team-mates.

“I played with a wonderful team of three ladies who were very encouraging’’ added Muketha, who picked up three pars and a birdie at the front nine and a similar number of pars at the back nine which also included a birdie at the 15th. He was headed for a clear 40 points or better, although a double bogey seven finish at the par five-18th saw him add only a point to his 38 points then, to beat men’s winner John Njagi by the narrow margin of one point.

WON RETURN TICKETS

Muketha won two return tickets to any Africa KQ destination of his choice. The handicap 11 Njagi combined 19 points from each half to claim the two domestic return tickets after beating Vignir Demmusson (20, 18), and Michael Mutiga (21, 17) on countback. Taking the two tickets in the ladies section was Regine Biau also with a score of 38 points. She won by four points from Stella Macharia, as Arjun Bhachu (34) won the junior title.

The day’s top score of 40 points was posted by guest winner D. Kimathi while one of Muthaiga’s current top amateur golfers Geoffrey Kubwa won the men’s longest drive contest while the ladies longest drive winner was veteran lady golfer Florence Maina. To conclude the prize list with the nearest to pin prize was Martin Mwangi. As expected, the par 71 Muthaiga course was in superb condition.

LARGEST FIELD

Meanwhile, a field of 310 players is so far the largest field to have featured in a tournament in the history of golf in the country. Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, both KQ CEO Mbuvi Ngunze and finance director Alex Mbugua said the huge turnout was a testament of the popularity of the series.

“So far this is the highest entry and this has surpassed our expectations. Kenya Airways through KQ Holidays has developed special packages for those willing to experience the glamour of sports tourism,’’ said Mbugua. Internationally, the series moves to Seychelles while locally action will be at Sigona where the club members will be joined by the Kenya’s pros.