Pabari triumphs at 2025 OM Law Golf tournament in Kisumu
Golf
By
Washington Onyango
| Feb 09, 2025
Jiten Pabari (center) is escorted to the podium during the O&M Law Golf tournament gala at Nyanza Golf Club on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
Jiten Pabari showcased his experience and precision to emerge as the overall winner of the 2025 O&M Law Golf Tournament, held at the picturesque Nyanza Golf Club in Kisumu on Saturday. Jiten Pabari in action during the O&M Law Golf tournament at Nyanza Golf Club on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
The seasoned golfer, boasting over three decades of experience, navigated the challenging greens, fairways, and tee boxes to card an impressive 43 points, outclassing a field of over 60 competitors.
Jiten Pabari (right) receives his award from Maureen Mujera, Senior Partner at O&M Law Firm during the O&M Law Golf tournament at Nyanza Golf Club on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard] Disgrace of national honours handed out using opaque criteria Mobilize residents or face action, Uasin Gishu officials warn chiefs Gachagua allies, Opposition MPs receive State honours during Jamhuri fete The parable of small-time pencil thief turned industry captain There's no wishing away positive impact of Kenya Kwanza administration Ruto dismisses critics as liars, spells out big projects Ruto's directive on fair royalty system gets mixed reactions Kenyans call for reconstitution of IEBC, inclusion in decision making CDF Gen Kahariri, IG Kanja among top security bosses conferred with presidential awardsREAD MORE
“It was a challenging course, but I relied on my experience to adapt to the tough greens and fairways. The evening breeze from Lake Victoria provided a calming effect, allowing me to stay focused throughout the round,” said Pabari after receiving his trophy.
Jiten Pabari (center) and flight mates enjoy a photot moment during the O&M Law Golf tournament at Nyanza Golf Club on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
Pabari also expressed gratitude to his flight mates and lauded the sponsors, O&M Law Firm, for their first-time presence in Kisumu, urging other corporate firms to follow suit.
Golfers enjoy a photot moment during the O&M Law Golf tournament at Nyanza Golf Club on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
“Bringing such tournaments to Kisumu is a big step in growing golf and expanding corporate market reach in the vast Nyanza region. I hope more firms take up such initiatives,” he said.
Golfers enjoy a photot moment during the O&M Law Golf tournament at Nyanza Golf Club on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
The tournament, which attracted golfers from various clubs including Muthaiga, Kakamega, Airforce, Karen, Nanyuki, and Nandi, saw intense competition across multiple divisions.
Golfers enjoy a photot moment during the O&M Law Golf tournament at Nyanza Golf Club on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
Joseph Atito won the Gross category with a score of 80, while J. Akhonya claimed the Division A title with 35 points, edging out Amito Shah on countback.
Female golfers escort Lilian Kongani (center) to the podium during the O&M Law Golf gala at Nyanza Golf Club on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
In Division B, Lilian Kongani triumphed with 38 points, narrowly beating P. Thakrar, who settled for the runner-up position with the same score.
Nyanza Golf Club captain Griffin Owino (right) shares with his caddie during the O&M Law Golf tournament on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
Division C saw B. Rabach clinch victory with 38 points, while Hellen Muma followed closely with 36.
Guest category honors went to M. Kotonya, who scored 36 points, while senior golfer D. Johsnlal emerged victorious in his category.
Junior golfer Fadhili Mulunda in action during the O&M Law Golf tournament at Nyanza Golf Club on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
The juniors also shone, with Faraja Mulanda excelling in Course 2 with 39 points, and C. Ramah taking top honors in Course 1 with 34 points.
Nyanza Golf Club captain Griffin Owino prepares to putt during the O&M Law Golf tournament on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
Nyanza Golf Club captain Griffin Owino emphasized the significance of corporate partnerships in elevating golf standards at the club.
“Corporate sponsorships are the backbone of golf development. Tournaments like these provide opportunities for local players to compete at higher levels while also enhancing the sport’s visibility,” Owino noted.
Nyanza Golf Club captain Griffin Owino duirng the O&M Law Golf tournament gala on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
Owino, who was elected captain earlier this year, outlined his vision for the club, stating that strategic partnerships and infrastructure improvements would be key to taking the club to the next level.
“We are looking at upgrading our course, enhancing training programs for juniors, and attracting more sponsors to ensure the sustainability of our tournaments,” he said.
Maureen Mujera, Senior Partner at O&M Law Firm, explained why they chose Kisumu as the venue for this year’s tournament.
“We believe in fostering inclusivity in sports, and Kisumu presents a great opportunity to expand the reach of golf. This is our first time sponsoring a tournament here, and the response has been overwhelming. We look forward to making this an annual event,” Mujera stated.
Golfers enjoy a photot moment during the O&M Law Golf tournament at Nyanza Golf Club on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
The tournament also featured specialty awards, with Tabitha Ojwang winning the Longest Drive Lady, while Owino added to his accolades by claiming the Longest Drive Man and Hidden Hole 1 awards. I. Ondieki secured the Nearest to Pin Man title, while Charles Omanga and Walter Kajejo won Hidden Hole 2 and 3, respectively.
Two Club winner Bob Odhiambo walks past a caddie preparing a sand scrape during the O&M Law Golf tournament at Nyanza Golf Club on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
With a blend of experienced golfers and rising junior stars, the O&M Law Golf Tournament not only highlighted the growing competitiveness of the sport in Kenya but also underscored the importance of corporate backing in nurturing talent.
Golfers enjoy a photot moment during the O&M Law Golf tournament at Nyanza Golf Club on Feb 8, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard]
As the sun set over the scenic Nyanza Golf Club, Pabari’s triumph stood as a testament to skill, experience, and resilience on the greens.
O&M Law Golf Tournament Winners
Overall Winner – Jiten Pabari (43 points)
Gross Winner – Joseph Atito (80 points)
Division A Winner – J. Akhonya (35 points)
Division A 1st Runner-up – Amito Shah (35 points)
Division B Winner – Lilian Kongani (38 points)
Division B 1st Runner-up – P. Thakrar (38 points)
Division C winner – B. Rabach (38 points)
Division C 1st Runner-up – Hellen Muma (36 points)
Guest Winner – M. Kotonya (36 points)
Senior Winner – D. Johsnlal
Best Junior Course 1 – C. Ramah (34 points)
Runner-up Junior Course 1 – Tony Nyambogo (35 points)
Best Junior Course 2 – Faraja Mulanda (39 points)
Runner-up Junior Course 2 – Emanuel Brian (34 points)
Longest Drive Lady – Tabitha Ojwang
Longest Drive Man – Griffin Owino
Nearest to Pin Man – I. Ondieki
Hidden Hole Winners
Hidden Hole 1 – Griffin Owino
Hidden Hole 2 – Charles Omanga
Hidden Hole 3 – Walter Kajejo