Okwara rediscovers form to top amateurs at Royal

Kenya Golf Union (KGU) treasurer, Francis Okwara has clinched the overall amateur title at the KCB Advantage Corporate Banking tournament.

The handicap 13 Okwara, who has been starving for an outright win for some time now, set off for the day by dropping four shots in a row from the first.

He parred three other holes thereafter, birdied the eighth and closed the nine with a par for four over par 20 points in the front nine.

Five bogeys

At the back nine, Okwara parred four holes against five bogeys for five over par 20 for an impressive 40 points despite the wet conditions of the Royal course.

He beat second and third-placed Vinneta Bhabra and J. K. Kamunyori by two points. Finishing fourth was Malonza Kasamu on 37 while veteran golfer, Dick Muraya, took the fifth prize with 35 points.

Joshua Ichangi posted 36 points to win the junior title in the event which attracted more than 200 players in a tournament where former Kenya Commercial Bank senior human resources manager, Ken Wamae emerged the best guest with 34 points after beating V.M. Mugeni on countback.

The staff prize went to Charles Maranga on 33 points, one better than John Nzioka (32 points).

Elsewhere in Thika, B.M. Mathenge posted 19 points in each nine for a total of 38, beating Ben Mugambi (19,18) by the narrow margin of one point to claim the overall prize during the CIC Insurance tournament.

Shanket Shah, also on 37 points, finished third. The ladies prize was won by Anne Mukiri (36 points), while S.M. Kiarie carded 38 points to claim fourth place after beating M. Kinuthia on countback.