The 112-year-old Mombasa Golf Club played host to the third circuit of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Corporate Golf Day on a Saturday morning that threatened to be more about survival than competition.
The heavens opened in the morning, showering the course with a relentless downpour, turning the once manicured greens into a muddy challenge for even the most seasoned golfers.
The morning rains left the course damp and muddy, a true test of skill and perseverance.
The Kilindini Channel of the Indian Ocean, visible from the nine-hole Mombasa Golf Club course, added an additional layer of complexity to the game with the wind sweeping in from the vast expanse.
Golfers found themselves not only navigating the slippery terrain but also contending with the unpredictable gusts, creating a formidable challenge that demanded adaptability and precision.
In the face of these challenges, Willy Sang, a relatively new golfer playing with a handicap of 21, navigated the muddied fairways and gusty winds to beat 119 other golfers.
This was Sang’s first major victory after he received his handicap last year October.
Sang, registered a remarkable score of 44 Stableford points, beating Edwin Kiptoo, who won during the second circuit of KPA Corporate Golf Day in Eldoret.
“Actually, the course was very tough and muddy. However, I focused on the ball and chipping skills, and it worked. I have been looking to beat Edwin Kiptoo, who thought he’d win, but who is God?” posed Sang.
“I do want to tell every golfer out there to now watch this space.”
Kiptoo, playing with a handicap of 16, showcased his mastery of the game, but managed 43 Stableford points, and secured the top spot in the Men’s category.
Justine Ongere, with a handicap of 15, battled the muddy course to claim the Men’s runner-up position with a total of 41 points decided by countback.
Mburu Mwangi, playing off a handicap of 16, secured the Men’s third position, also with 41 points.
The Ladies’ category witnessed a fierce battle with Mary Kandu with a handicap of 8 conquering the muddy terrain to score an impressive 38 points.
In the runner-up position was Caroline Mokaya with a handicap of 18, tallying 34 points.
Wesley Bosuben was the Guest category winner with 38 points, beating Dr Kikwai Kibet’s 33 points, and Samson Ngeno’s 26 points that were decided on countback.
Ethan Kinuthia, the best junior with a handicap of 20, displayed remarkable composure in adverse conditions, scoring 37 points.
Major General Rob, playing off a handicap of 23, claimed the best senior title with an impressive score of 40 points.
Henry Akello seized the title for the longest drive in the men’s category, and Gladys Mueni claimed the longest drive in the ladies category.
Randy Cheruiyot (Junior)demonstrated precision with a shot just 3 feet away to claim the nearest to the pin.
In the staff category, Japheth Obonyo with a handicap of 16 emerged winner with 37 points, beating Charles Odoo (handicap 17) who scored 36 points, Dr Stanley Samoei (handicap 22) scored 33 points and Paul Koech (handicap 18) had 31 points.
Despite the daunting weather conditions, Abernus Kimenye, with a handicap of 29, triumphed as the best high handicapper, showcasing that even in adversity, exceptional talent can shine through, scoring an impressive 36 points.
KPA Golf Corporate event has four circuits; Central/North Rift, Nairobi, Coast, and Nyanza/Western.
The final fourth circuit is scheduled for December 9 at Kakamega Sports Club.
KPA said they identified the corporate golf tournament as an event that gives them a platform to interact and engage with stakeholders away from boardrooms and offices in a bid to improve business relations.
