NAIROBI, 11 March 2024 – Frontrunner Benjamin Okumu netted 43 stableford points to take home the 2024 Captain’s Prize at the 18-hole Ruiru Golf Club on Saturday, March 9.
Playing off handicap 16, Okumu outshone the field of 378 home and visiting golfers who participated in the celebration of Club Captain Jessy Ndegwa’s second term.
“I played management golf and played on regulation. My putting was on point too, after hitting the fairways throughout my round. It’s one of those days when everything aligns in your favour. It was my day to shine.” Okumu said.
Coming in after Okumu was Thomas Mwaura playing off handicap 12 who brought back 38 stableford points to take the men’s winner prize. Handicap 12 Josphat Kaunda was the men’s second prize winner with 35 stableford points.
The category one lady winner prize was won by Salome Kamau, playing off handicap 20 to score 38 stableford points, ahead of the lady winner second, Catherine Gitonga, who managed 37 stableford points off a handicap 15.
Running from 3-9 March, the tournament started off with a junior golfer competition that saw Alex Ngugi claim the title out of a field of 40 budding talents on Sunday 3 March. 100 caddies from clubs around Nairobi took to the course on Monday.
The celebrations of Ndegwa’s tenure continued on Tuesday with a grand challenge followed by a club night which was graced by Mugithi titans Samidoh and Tony Young. The Thursday curtain raiser was a special nearest-to-the-pin and Friday’s Pro-Am and Chip-and-putt competitions took advantage of Ndegwa’s improvements to the 100-year old course.
“I am encouraged by the turnout all through the week, and the level of skill that has been displayed on the course. It has taken a collaborative effort from the committee, sponsors and members to make the week a success. This is not only a celebration of my term, but also the club’s growth over the past 100 years to improve Kenya’s golf talent pool and establish a space for recreational players to enjoy themselves and network,” said Ndegwa.
Before taking up the captain’s mantle through which he established a progressive 400-yard practice range with a separate chipping and putting range, Ndegwa served as the club’s greenkeeper and later as vice-captain for 2 years.
In collaboration with the club’s main committee, Ndegwa has also been instrumental in steadily growing the club’s junior golfer programme with over 100 junior golfers signing up within the last two years.
The 2024 Captain’s Prize tournament was sponsored by a host of sponsors led by Family Bank, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), CIC Insurance, Maridady Motors, Madison Insurance and AM Communications Limited. Others were Preston Valley, Glenlivet, Rainbow Ruiru Resort, Cascade Institute of Hospitality, Chloride Exide and Friends of the Captain partnered with the 100-year-old club in presenting a great tournament.
Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director who graced the prize-giving dinner announced that the much-awaited KPC Oil and Gas Series will tee off next month in Kitale.
“KPC uses sports and education to tell its story. Because sport is a force for good, by sponsoring golf and volleyball, KPC hopes to give back to society.” Sang said.
Other winners in the tournament were Margaret Muriu in the lady’s second category with 40 stableford points, and Naivasha Sports Club’s Tabitha Kiragu coming in second with 39 stableford points.
Dominic Mathu carded 23 points to take the first nine men’s prize, while Jane Mwaura took home the women’s category with 23 points.
The sponsor winner prize was won by Wambui Gachoka, playing off handicap 33 on a compact score of 40 stableford points with Kenya Pipeline Managing Director, Joe Sang, taking the sponsor winner second prize with 35 stableford points. Ken Luca won the Gross prize with 28 gross points.
