NAIROBI, March 17 – South African based junior golfer Mathew Wahome and Dismas Indiza were impressive on the opening day of the 48th Barclays Kenya open to jointly be ranked top Kenyans.
Long hitting Indiza and 18-year-old Wahome are tied on 3 under par 2 behind overnight leaders German Lampert Moritz and South African Van Tonder Danie at the par-72 Karen Country Club.
Wahome, who is an amateur dropped a shot on the first but then birdied the next 3 holes and the 9th to finish eighth on 3 under par.
Wahome started the back nine with a birdie on the 10th and 12th holes but then dropped a shot on the 14th and 16th par 3’s to finish on 3 under for the day.
He finished with an impressive 6 birdies and 3 bogies and said last year’s experience helped his round.
“I learnt from my experience last year and my mistakes which I have improved on and that helped me today. I practiced a lot around the greens because they are quick and hopefully my game plan will continue to work,” Wahome, who is the youngest amateur golfer in tournament stated.
His compatriot Indiza started off with an eagle on the first but dropped a shot on the 6th on the front 9 before he birdied the 15th par 5 and the 18th to finish on 3 under par.
On the back nine, Indiza went round bogey free and used his impressive length off the tee to make easy birdies on the two par-5s, the 15th and 18th to finish with a gross score of 34 and a round total of 69.
Wahome will tee off just after noon on Friday for his second and crucial round while Indiza will tee off in the morning from hole ten looking to continue with his impressive start.
Local favorite professionals Jacob Okello, Brian Njoroge and Greg Snow had a slow start as the European Challenge tour enters Day Two on Friday.
The four-day event that brings together 156 players from all over the world concludes on Sunday with President Uhuru Kenyatta expected to close the event.