Chairmen, Captain Prize events take centre stage

Chairmen and Captains Prize events continue to dominate the local golf scene this weekend as the 2018 golfing season nears its end.

There are three chairmen’s events and several captain’s prize tournaments this weekend, with the Thika Sports Club one being the highlight.

Coming two weeks after the Captain’s Prize, club chairman Chege Muiruri, will be out to try and match his outgoing captain Chris Kinuthia, whose colourful Captain’s Prize event is still fresh in the minds of Thika members.

“The Chairman’s Prize event is the biggest and most prestigious event of the year and I must thank club members for having listed their names in large numbers to play this weekend. Everything is in place to make sure that members have a memorable weekend yet again,” said Muiruri.

Just like the Captain’s prize two weeks ago, a huge field of 300 golfers was drawn to vie for some fabulous prizes, courtesy of the sponsors Britam and Superior Homes.

Muiruri has taken the club to high level of growth this year, particularly with the course development through the construction of new greens.

“With the irrigation of the fairways and the on-going rains, the course is in an excellent condition and with our magnificent water fountain at the 18th green crowning it all, Thika is definitely the place to be for those who would like to enjoy a perfect round of golf,” added Muiru, who said the current membership drive is expected to bring in a large number of young members, which he says will ensure the youth are well catered for in the club.

“The future of Thika Sports Club is looking bigger and better day by day and what a great way of leaving the club,” said the club boss, who also confirmed that on Friday there will be curtain raiser which will include casino, Mbuzi Choma and Karaoke in the evening.

Meanwhile away in the Mountain region, a field of 80 golfers was drawn for the Nanyuki Sports Club Chairman’s Prize Golf tournament, where club chairman Gabriel Miungi has lined up an array of prizes in the event being sponsored by integrated marketing communications firm, Oxygene MCL among other sponsors.

The field to battle it out for the overall title are drawn from Nanyuki, Nyeri, and Nyahururu. They include local golfers Richard “Manji” Kabugi, Luka Mwangi and Kiama Kaara, who have all been playing well lately.

Also in the starting list will be Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri and Kieni MP Kanini Kega.

According to Oxygène MCL Partner Alfred Ng’ang’a, the firm’s sponsorship is geared at promoting regional golf tournaments.

“At Oxygène MCL, we are very keen to continue supporting such tournaments as part of our commitment to nurture golfing talent,” Ng’ang’a said.

The third Chairman’s Prize will be at the nine-hole Kiambu Golf Club where a field of 100 players were drawn to battle it out for the overall title.

They include Stephen Kiaro, who last weekend completed a two-day total of 77 points to win the Captain’s prize by one point from Michael Ngene, who will not play at Kiambu, but Ndumberi Golf Club this weekend, where the club is hosting the Preshama Feeds golf Day.

To take on Kiaro this weekend in the event being sponsored by KenGen, will be some of the club’s leading golfers such as John Ngure, David Ndirangu, Michael Karanga and leading lady golfer Joyce Wanjiru.

Of the Captain’s Prize events, the Sigona Captain’s Prize has attracted a record 400, some of whom will play on Saturday and others on Sunday.

“As we approach the festive season and traditions come to play, golf clubs countrywide see the end of the season by the Captain hosting his last tournament.

“I am happy for having had the privilege and honour to serve Sigona Golf Club,” said outgoing captain Arvo Ladha.

At Machakos, the Captain’s Prize being sponsored by Universal Family Hospital of Machakos, has attracted a small field of 64 golfers, though club captain Musembi Katuku says post entries will be accepted until 1.30pm.

The nine-hole par 72 Machakos course is currently in great condition and some excellent scores are expected.