John Wangai snatches victory at Nyali

The experience of playing in the Magical Kenya Open and a newly got driver have begun to pay off for Sigona Golf Club’s John Wangai.

Wangai, who is also the captain of the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK), on Saturday fired an impressive four under par 67, to clinch top prize in the KCB Road to Karen Masters second leg at the par 71 Nyali Golf and Country Club course.

Starting the second round five shots behind day one leader Greg Snow of Muthaiga, Wangai, birdied the first, fifth and eighth to embark on the back nine with three under par score.

On the back nine, he birdied the par five-11th and scored par on the rest of the holes for a bogey-free 67, which gave him a total of one under par 141, beating Snow by two shots to take home Sh85,000.

“I think it is the practise rounds we played in preparation for the Magical Kenya Open that seem to be paying off now. It was too soon for the Open hence it didn’t show, but it is now showing that all the preparation for the Open was not in vain,” he said.

“Plus I have invested in a new driver a Tietliest TS 3 courtesy of a friend Cari Wambasi which has practical changed my distance.The driver has given me the confidence I need. Now I am getting the distance I have been looking for,” he added saying the course was in great condition despite the Coastal heat.
On the other hand, Snow who shot three over par 74 in the second round, finished second on 143 to take the second cash prize of Sh55, 000.

It was a tough outing for Snow who is still recovering from a poor showing at the Magical Kenya Open where he failed to make the cut despite being the favourite and one of Kenya’s main hope.

He only managed two birdies, one on the first hole and the other coming late on the 11th hole, against five bogeys on the four, sixth, 12th, 14th and 17th for three over 74.

Finishing in third place was Muthaiga’s Frank Matilo who carded one under par 70 in the final round, for a two-round total of 144. Matilo dropped a shot at the second hole but managed to recover it with birdies on the 11th and 18th holes.

Home pro Njuguna Ngugi and Nakuru’s Richard Ainley tied for fourth place on 145 after rounds of 71 and 69. The third leg of the five-event series which the pros are participating in four legs, will take place at Thika Sports Club in April.

Meanwhile, the huge field of over 200 amateurs was still on the course seeking the six slots for June’s Karen Masters Pro-Am at the time of going to press.

John Wangai (Sigona) 74, 67= 141

Greg Snow (Muthaigha) 69, 74= 143

Frank Matilo (Muthaiga) 74, 70= 144

Richard Ainley (Nakuru) 76, 69= 145

Njuguna Ngugi (Nyali) 74, 71= 145

Ken Abuto (Royal) 76, 71= 147

Sujan Shah (Sigona) 74, 73= 147

Dismas Indiza (Mumias) 76, 71= 147

David Odhiambo (Nyanza) 76, 71 = 147

Eric Ooko (Royal) 78, 70 = 148