Khatri bests field at Nyali tourney

Handicap 26 Aharub Khatri was on Sunday crowned the overall winner of the the 2018 Qatar Airways Captain’s Prize at the par 71 Nyali Golf and Country Club course after beating a field of 216 golfers.

Khatri, who is also the speaker of the Mombasa County Assembly, carded an impressive 38 points made up of 19 points in each nine to clinch the top prize with a differential of 35 points, having posted nett 73 during Saturday’s first round.

“I am so delighted winning this event which is my first one, having started playing golf barely a year ago. I was in a fantastic team in today’s round which encouraged me and I think that is why I played well," said Khatri, who beat Kenya Amateur match play champion Daniel Nduva by one point.

Besides a beautiful golf bag and a trophy, Khatri was also awarded an air ticket to any of Qatar Airways’ destination in the world.

Nduva, who had fired level par 71 for nett 72 during the first round, carded 36 points which included five birdies, for a differential of 36 points to take the men’s first prize.

“I was cruising well until I bogeyed the fourth and scratched the fifth and one more hole at the back nine, though I am still happy with my scores this weekend," said Nduva, who beat Mombasa Golf Club’s Lawrence Odhiambo and third placed Miqdaad Walji by one point. Inayet Kudrati finished fourth on 38 points.

In the ladies section, Rapthi De Silva posted 31 points to win ahead of Mary Kandu and Mary Mariga, who carded 26 and 25 points.

Sanjay Kotecha won the second round prize with an impressive score of 40 points, two better than Emmanuel Talel.

The second round winner was Joseph Waigwa with a score of 68 nett, two shots better than Peter Maina. Leading the past captains was Dominic Makau with a score of 42 points with Bernard Simiyu being the best visiting captain on 64 points, while Alan Mola was the best committee member on 44 points and C. Yano, the best guest with 61 points.

Taking the seniors prize was John Smith with a differential of 40 points and taking the junior title was Andrew Wahome on 41 points.

In the subsidiary events, Rajveer Dhanjal won the men’s longest drive, while the ladies prize went to Venessa Peris.

Mathew Wahome and Joyce Masai won the nearest to pin prizes. Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi ASX which had been offered by one of the sponsors, Simba Colt for a special prize for a hole-in one-at the 18th, returned back to Simba Colt as no one was able to achieve the feat.

However, club chairman Kelli Muindi fired a solid six –iron for a hole in one in the second round, but at the 186-yard par three-10th hole.

This was his second hole in one in his career, the first one having been in 2009 at the third hole.