Nairobi, Kenya November 1 – As expected a large field of close to 200 players have been drawn to play in the Mumias Golf Series Finals at Limuru Country Club this Saturday, including 32 professionals.
Following the final qualifier at Nyanza Club three weeks ago, Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Nakuru, Karen, Kiambu, Nyeri, Vetlab, Muthaiga, Nyanza, Railways, Limuru, Sigona, Mumias and Thika have sent in their qualifiers to contest for top honours in the finals. There are no representatives from the coast region whose qualifiers were held at Vipingo Ridge Golf Resort.
Top amateur Nelson Simwa and former club captain Njani Nderitu, lead the representatives from Vetlab Sports Club which finished this year’s Nairobi District League in second position behind Sigona Golf Club who have Harshad Patel and Milan Shah among their qualifiers.
Youngster S. Ndonga and M. Karienye are among the 12 carrying the flag from Railways Golf Club qualifiers while Karen Country Club has sent in Clive Ernstzen and Manfred Egger among others from their qualifying event. Royal Nairobi Golf Club will be represented by Gilbert Maina and Oscar Ikinu among others whereas Kiambu will be pinning their hopes on Grace Kibe and Godffrey Wambaa, among others.
Hosts Limuru have J Kashangaki and V. Gichuru among their qualifiers with Nakuru coming in with Dennis Kimambo and George Munayo among others. Peter Owino and Bilhu Bhamra will feature from the Nyanza qualifiers alongside 10 others while Muthaiga Golf Club will bank on Phil Kinisu and F S Irungu, among others, for honours in the finals. Mumias Club Captain Heston Wafula and Ken Akhoko are among 12 representing various clubs from the Mumias qualifier.
Mumias Sugar Company Chief Executive, Peter Kebati and Director, JG Chege will be among the staff contenders this weekend with Kepha Bosire and Julius Opio appearing in the guest category among others.
Limuru Captain, Lucas Marang’a, who will also be playing in the finals as a KGU guest, has said the club is proud to host the finals and is grateful to the sponsor for the big honour.
“This is one more milestone for us as a club. The course is playing a bit difficult with thicker roughs but very green and lush fairways. Players will also enjoy our new fast bent grass greens (10 in number) thanks to the current rains,” said the captain.
“I welcome, on behalf of our members, all qualifiers from across the country to come and sample our beautiful course and very vibrant 19th hole. Mumias Sugar Company has lined up a great after-party which promises to leave the players with incredible memories of the series,” added Marang’a.
There will be great hospitality at the event, with a total of five goats being roasted at hole number 7 for that deserved bite on this demanding course along with goodies from the sponsor such as branded merchandise, Mumias sugar and Mumias Sprinkles water. Dinner, drinks and entertainment by Linda Muthama and the Altimate Band will crown the evening.
Mumias Sugar Company CEO, Peter Kebati has said the finals is billed to be one of the best in local golfing history with great prizes and a treat planned for the winners of this weekend.
“We want to do it well and that much better than many players have seen in this country for a long time. So, I ask the qualifiers to put their best foot forward and shine on the day in order to enjoy the great prize package we have for them,” said Kebati.
A total of 34 clubs participated in 14 qualifying events held at various clubs across the country, picking 168 qualifiers for the finals. Professional golfers are also playing a two-round sweetener for a cash fund of KShs300,000.
