Okumu swings to victory in Ruiru Sports Club’s 2024 Captain’s Prize
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 11.03.24. | 11:40
The category one lady winner prize was claimed by Salome Kamau, playing off a handicap of 20, scoring 38 stableford points.
Frontrunner Benjamin Okumu scored 43 stableford points to clinch the 2024 Captain’s Prize at the 18-hole Ruiru Golf Club on Saturday, March 9.
Playing off a handicap of 16, Okumu outperformed 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 stayed 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 favor. It was my day to shine," Okumu said.
Following Okumu was Thomas Mwaura, playing off a handicap of 12, who secured 38 stableford points to claim the men’s winner prize. Josphat Kaunda, with a handicap of 12, took the men's second prize with 35 stableford points.
The category one lady winner prize was claimed by Salome Kamau, playing off a handicap of 20, scoring 38 stableford points. Catherine Gitonga secured the second position in the lady's category with 37 stableford points, playing off a handicap of 15.
The tournament ran from March 3 to March 9, starting with a junior golfer competition on Sunday, March 3, which saw Alex Ngugi emerge victorious out of a field of 40 budding talents. On Monday, 100 caddies from clubs around Nairobi took to the course.
The celebrations of Ndegwa’s tenure continued on Tuesday with a grand challenge followed by a club night featuring performances by Mugithi titans Samidoh and Tony Young. Thursday featured a special nearest-to-the-pin event, while Friday saw Pro-Am and Chip-and-putt competitions taking 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 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 assuming the captain’s mantle, Ndegwa served as the club’s greenkeeper and later as vice-captain for two years. In collaboration with the club's main committee, Ndegwa has been instrumental in steadily growing the club’s junior golfer program, 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. Other sponsors included Preston Valley, Glenlivet, Rainbow Ruiru Resort, Cascade Institute of Hospitality, Chloride Exide, and Friends of the Captain.
Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director, who attended the prize-giving dinner, announced that the much-awaited KPC Oil and Gas Series would tee off next month in Kitale.
“KPC uses sports and education to tell its story. By sponsoring golf and volleyball, KPC hopes to give back to society,” Sang said.
Additional winners in the tournament included Margaret Muriu in the lady’s second category with 40 stableford points, and Naivasha Sports Club’s Tabitha Kiragu securing second place with 39 stableford points.
Dominic Mathu scored 23 points to claim the first nine men’s prize, while Jane Mwaura won the women’s category with 23 points.
The sponsor winner prize was awarded to Wambui Gachoka, playing off a handicap of 33, with a score of 40 stableford points. Kenya Pipeline Managing Director, Joe Sang, secured the sponsor winner second prize with 35 stableford points. Ken Luca won the Gross prize with 28 gross points.
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