NAIROBI, Kenya, August 8- One of Nyanza’s leading players, scratch golfer Maurice Otieno, was on top form at the NIC Bank sponsored golf day at the Nyanza Club over the weekend.
In a championship that included 98 golfers from Kericho, Kisii, Kakamega, Mumias and hosts Nyanza, Otieno was clearly the man to beat.
With a sizzling 3-under par gross score, for a commendable 39 stable ford points, the scratch golfer lived up to his top billing.
Speaking after his round, Otieno said he was swinging well. “Our golf course is a risk-reward golf course; if you take the route less travelled, you can either score well or you can end up having an encounter with our resident hippos.”
Otieno said. “I would also like to thank NIC for putting on a great show and assisting to grow golf in this region.”
Speaking at the prize giving ceremony, NIC’s Tim Gitonga congratulated the winners and pledged the banks support for golf going forward.
“NIC Bank is committed to the passions of our clientele, and it is encouraging to see golfers from this region coming together, playing together and sharing in a clear show of camaraderie.”
Nyanza golfers sealed the top three with Meeraj Bhayani, a handicap-20 golfer, also carding 39 to lose on count back to Otieno whilst Ken Amalemba finished third with 38 on what was a high scoring day.
Bhayani was the club house leader for most of the day, having played his golf in the morning.
“I played well and I was sure of victory until Maurice put in an excellent back nine to deny me victory,” he said.
Mumias golfer Manuel Ojiambi finished fourth on 38 whilst Julius Amollo from Nyanza was fifth with 37.
The lady winner was Lyn Owino with an excellent 35 whilst the guest winner was George Oricho on 28.
Tim Gitonga was the staff winner with 31 and the nines went to Hezron Wafula and James Mundia both on 21.
Shyam Dhodhia was nearest to the pins on the par-3 seventh hole nailing his tee shot to within a foot of the hole.