L. MathekaKericho duo crowned champions at Muthaiga's International Pairs qualifying event
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 09.07.23. | 08:40
The event at Muthaiga was the first of seven club qualifying events that will be held in different regions of the country.
Bill Kalya and Edward Keter of Kericho Golf Club played a combined score of 47 stableford points to emerge the overall champions of the International Pairs qualifying event held at Muthaiga Golf Club.
Kalya playing off handicap 10 and Keter handicap 19 showed a concerted effort as they both made equal contributions to the overall team score. Kalya capitalized on the Par 3s getting at least two points in four of the five holes and an eagle on par 5 hole seven to secure four points for the duo.
Keter, on the other hand, came to the rescue on the longer holes and maximized on the 19 handicap strokes getting the much needed three points in three holes and four points in the par 4 hole eight.
Home-players, Josiah Mwaniki and Patrick Mbagaya finished as runner ups with 44 points after beating Erick Mutai and Julius Rono, Fredrick Wagura and Rebecca Njui as well as James Kamenchu and George Mburu on countback.
Mutai and Rono are seeking another ticket to Portugal having being part of the 4 pairs that travelled to La Cala Hotel & Golf Resort, Spain on 14-18 November 2022 for the 2022 World Finals.
This year’s finals will be held at the Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort and Bom Sucesso Resort, Portugal between 6 and 10 November 2023.
The Kenya Golf Union Executive, Ndiga Kithae, speaking on behalf of the KGU Chairman-Philip Ochola, appreciated Muthaiga Golf Club for hosting the tournament and informed the members of the value gained in the participating in the series.
“Portugal has more than 30 golf estates and this opportunity presents a chance for our players to experience and learn from the country,” Ndiga said, further urging members to spread the golf gospel.
The five pairs all got tickets to the Kenya Grand Finale to be held on 1 September 2023. The top 3 pairs in the Grand Finale qualify for the fully funded golf trip to Portugal
The event at Muthaiga was the first of seven club qualifying events that will be held in different regions of the country. The second event will be held on 15 July at Nyahururu Sports Club followed by 22 July 2023 at Kericho Golf Club.
Kenya has participated in the International Pairs in the years 2019, 2021 and 2022 with a break in 2020 due to the pandemic. Since the start of the series in 2019, seven pairs have participated in the fully paid trip to the World Grand Finale.
.jpg)
