Machakos set to host Chairman’s prize

What you need to know:

  • Kiambu Governor Waititu sponsors his first tourney at Kiambu Club, big names enter Ladies Open at Muthaiga.
  • Over 120 golfers expected at the par 72 course including several single handicap players.

The popular Machakos Golf Club’s par 72 course will host the Chairman’s Prize golf tournament this weekend for former club chairman Collins Kaloki.

Though by the time of writing, only 74 players had been listed to play, club chairman Swarn Singh and captain Paul Musembi Katuku said over 120 players will be teeing off on Saturday.

“I know there are a number of events also taking place during the weekend including our sister club of Kenya Air Force, but we are confident by the time the field will be teeing off, we will have over 120 players," said Singh, who was elected into office early this year for a second stint as chairman.

Among the leading golfers gunning for top prize are single handicap players James Ndunda, Jackson Nzioki, Francis Njeru, former captain Tim Ruhiu, John Maingi, and the club chairman.

Teeing off is set for 7am with the afternoon draw to start as early as 11am.

At Kiambu Golf Club, the Kiambu County Governor Ferdinand Waititu, who is keen in developing sports activities in the county, is sponsoring his first ever golf event at the club.

Popularly known as “Baba Yao", governor Waititu, has recently developed interest in golf, having presided over last weekend’s Gatundu Golf Challenge at the same club. He has offered very attractive prizes in addition to a dinner dance in the evening. A field of 150 golfers was drawn to battle it out for the prizes.

During last weekend’s Gatundu Challenge, one of the club’s leading players John Ngure, shot level par 72 gross for an impressive 68 nett to claim the overall title.

If still in that sparkling form, Ngure may be the man to beat again this weekend.

To challenge Ngure, will be players like Michael Karanga the “Mountain Tiger” Larry Njue, Njeru Njagi, Paul Kaumbutho, and David Nyaga.

At Muthaiga, the Ladies Open, sponsored by Stanbic Bank, starts with the Ladies Foursomes in the morning followed by the Mixed Foursomes in the afternoon.

The main event, an 18-hole affair that has attracted some of the country’s leading lady golfers, is set for Sunday morning.

Those drawn include Kenya’s team for the All Africa Ladies Challenge in Ghana, Serah Khanyereri and Joyce Wanjiru, Coast Ladies champion Naomi Wafula, Vet Lab’s Agnes Nyakio, and Golf Park’s Mercy Nyanchama, Loise Akinyi and Ashley Awour.