SA-based Nduva wins Kenya amateur golf championship

South Africa-based Daniel Nduva, who is a member of Nyali Golf and Country Club, is the new Kenya Open Amateur champion.

The off scratch Nduva, a student at South Africa’s School of Golf Excellence, shot one under par 70 in the closing round of the 2017 championship at the great Nyali Golf and Country Club course for an all rounds total of three over par 287 to beat Tanzania’s Victor Joseph by four shots.

He becomes the first Coast-based golfer to win the Kenyatta Memorial Bowl since the event started in 1978.

“I really wanted to win this event in order to qualify for the Barclays Kenya Open. I have been practising and playing literally every day and I am glad my efforts have paid off,’’ said Nduva, who arrived in the country last weekend ready for the event.

Playing the final round with Joseph and Uganda’s top amateur Ronald Rugumayo, Nduva dropped a shot at the second hole and later on at the fourth and seventh. He, however, managed to birdie the fifth, seventh and ninth, eagled the par five-11th, and birdied the 17th though he also dropped two shots at the back nine’s 10th and 14th holes.

“My short game has improved a lot and I think that also contributed a great deal in my success today,’’ added Nduva, a son of Nyali veteran golfer Patrick Nduva.

Starting with 77 in the first round, Nduva shot 74 in the second but it was his brilliant five under par 66 in the third round that pushed him to the top. Tanzanian national team player Victor Joseph, a product of the late Kenyan veteran professional Charles Farrar, shot one over par 72 in the final round for a total of 291 to finish second.

Finishing third with a total of 301 was Royal Nairobi’s Dennis Saikwa who shot four over 75 in the closing round.