NAIROBI, March 20- Vet Lab Golf Club returns to the TannaHill Shield Golf Tournament after a three-year disciplinary suspension when the 91st edition tees off on March 3 at Nairobi’s Royal Golf Club, the oldest in the country.
The tournament which takes place over the Easter weekend will ends on Sunday, March 5 where the shield will be awarded to the winner during the afternoon presentation welcomes Vet Lab who were expunged on disciplinary grounds.
Speaking on Friday when launching the annual Easter tournament, Royal Golf Club captain, Bernard Kiraithe said Mombasa and Western will send one team each to represent their counties with 90 golfers featuring.
“The tournament has tried to accommodate as many top golfers as possible without weakening the format of the competition, but we encourage golf clubs of Western Kenya to combine in sending a joint team and asking Mombasa to invite players from Nyali, Diani and Malindi to form one team.
“Each club sends a team of 10 where eight play at any given time and two substitutes. Each flight consists of two players from three teams who play alternatives shots against each other. Much is made of the selection of teams each year despite the fact that each captain tries his best to field winning team,” Kiraithe explained.
Nine clubs namely; Muthaiga, Sigona, Limuru, Karen, Windsor, Mombasa, Western Kenya, Railways and hosts Royal Nairobi Golf Club will be participating.
Organisers of the event expect the course to be in good condition in a week’s time.
“The course is recovering; we are watering the fairways and expect it to green up by time of competition because we have not had rain,” Kiraithe added.
Defending champions and hosts Royal Golf will be looking to retain their crown at the event that was boosted by a Sh2.5m in title sponsorship by soft drinks giant, Coca-Cola Company.
By Joe Miano and Alex Isaboke