Kiai wins ‘KCB Road to Karen Masters’ first leg

Christopher Kiai (left) receives his prize from KCB Group Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Judith Sidi Odhiambo after winning the first leg of the “Road to KCB Karen Masters’’ tournament at Ruiru Sports Club on May 12, 2018. PHOTO | LARRY NGALA |

What you need to know:

  • In the subsidiary category, Frank Munyuah playing off handicap eight clinched the first nine on 22 points and the second nine went to Linus Wachira also on 22 points.
  • Winning the nearest to pin prize for the men was Ben Njuguna, while Susan Kanyora won the ladies prize. In the longest drive contest, Francis Nzwili took the men’s prize and Lucy Njuguna taking the ladies prize.

Christopher Kiai, popularly know as the “Ghetto Captain’’ over the weekend emerged overall winner in the first leg of the “Road to KCB Karen Masters’’ tournament at Ruiru Sports Club.

The handicap 16 Kiai posted an impressive 40 points made up of 19 points in the first nine and 21 at the back nine, to beat a huge field of 272 players.

“Being a long standing customer of KCB and the fact that they choose Ruiru to launch their series, was a good motivating factor for me.

I bogeyed a number of holes but the few pars I made real helped me a lot," said Kiai, who bogeyed the first four holes in the tough first nine, made a double at the fifth and two singles at the sixth and ninth, though birdied the seventh.

He returned five over par 21 at the nine to beat men winner Michael Chege, who also carded 19 and 21, on countback. George Keru followed on 39, while Veronica Mwaura posted 37 points to win by two points from Susan Kanyora.

Kenya Railway Golf Club’s George Felix fired one under par 37 points to emerge the best guest, with Bernard Kotonya claiming the staff prize.

In the subsidiary category, Frank Munyuah playing off handicap eight clinched the first nine on 22 points and the second nine went to Linus Wachira also on 22 points.

Winning the nearest to pin prize for the men was Ben Njuguna, while Susan Kanyora won the ladies prize. In the longest drive contest, Francis Nzwili took the men’s prize and Lucy Njuguna taking the ladies prize.

The overall winner Kiai will now lead Michael Chege, George Keru, Veronica Mwaura, George Felix and Bernard Kotonya to the KCB Karen Masters Pro-Am at Karen Country Club on July 17.

Speaking during the prize giving ceremony, KCB Group Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Judith Sidi Odhiambo, thanked Ruiru golfers for turning up in large numbers for the event.

She said the series were meant to give local golfers an opportunity to participate in the Karen Masters Pro-Am.

“This also gives us a chance to say thank you all for your continued support to KCB. You are all invited for the next series in Limuru and the other venues," said Odhiambo.