Thika’s Rugo wins Sanlam golf tourney
What you need to know:
- Thika Sports Club’s Eric Rugo emerged overall winner of the inaugural edition of Sanlam Golf Challenge at the par-72 Karen Country Club course on Friday.
- The handicap 17 Rugo carded an impressive 42 points to not only take the trophy, golf bag and an insurance cover, but also earned himself a trip to next year’s Sanlam Cancer Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club Sun City in South Africa.
Thika Sports Club’s Eric Rugo emerged overall winner of the inaugural edition of Sanlam Golf Challenge at the par-72 Karen Country Club course on Friday.
The handicap 17 Rugo carded an impressive 42 points to not only take the trophy, golf bag and an insurance cover, but also earned himself a trip to next year’s Sanlam Cancer Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club Sun City in South Africa.
“It’s great and refreshing for me to win here and to get a chance to travel with Sanlam Kenya officials to this year’s Sanlam Cancer Challenge in October,’’ said Rugo, who made a total of eight pars and bogeyed eight holes for an excellent score.
STRONG TEAM
“I had a strong team of George Kuria, Nyali Club captain Keli Muindi and my close friend Jack Waruhiu. They pushed me to the limit but I also enjoyed playing on this magnificent course,’’ added Rugo, who beat Ernest Waithaka and Kennedy Anunda by a point.
Taking the ladies prize was Karen lady captain Louisa Gitau (38 points) while the team of Steve Mwangi, Cosmas Ahomo, Ken Mwangi and Martin Chege took the team prize with 39 points.
Outgoing Karen Country Club chairman Jimmy Kimondo won the first nine with 21 points. Taking home the prize for the second nine was Carl Makokha.
Thika’s Edwin Kiarie hit 320 yards to claim the men’s longest drive, with Kezie Kihara winning the ladies prize. Paul Rees won men’s nearest to pin prize while the ladies prize went to Jane Karuku as Edward Mumira, on 32 points, was the staff winner.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, Sanlam Kenya chairman John Simba thanked all golfers who competed.
PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY
“I would like to assure all of you that Sanlam Group is committed to ensuring the success of the tournament under the leadership of group CEO Mugo Kibati. The board has put up a strong team which will deliver good results,’’ he said.
Kibati encouraged golfers to take full advantage of Sanlam’s various products for their own benefit.
“Besides insurance for your cars, golf equipment and household items, it is important that you seriously consider life insurance for yourselves and family,” he said.
This an insurance policy that many Kenyans try to avoid and it is the most important of all insurance policies’’ said Kibati.
