Kenya Institute of Bankers Interbank Sports: Thuo proves too good for rivals at Interbank Sports Golf Day

NCBA's Rahab Thuo in action during KIB Interbank Golf Day at Muthaiga Golf Club on Friday. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Rahab Thuo of NCBA Bank is the winner of the 36th edition of the Kenya Institute of Bankers Interbank Sports Golf Day tournament held in Nairobi on Friday.

Thuo fired 21 points in the opening nine and 24 in the back nine to carry the day with 45 stableford points.

Thuo attributed her victory in the competition sponsored by digital transformation company, Bring Global and their Netherlands based partners Backbase to good preparation at the course this week.

"I firmly believe golf champions are made at the practice range, so I trained the whole week to familiarise myself with the course," Thuo underlined.

"I played nine holes daily to be conversant with my swings and to keep fit."

The handicap 38 golfer says the victory means a lot to her as it made her very proud following constant practice she had towards the tournament.

She also reiterated that strictness by her batch members inspired her to the victory.

"I was motivated to work hard on the tough course by my group that was very keen on the fairways despite a little fun here and there," she stated.

The NCBA Retail and Customer Experience Head also praised her caddie, Issa Wasike, for being instrumental in the win.

"At first I was feeling under the weather when I started the game but Wasike motivated me. He inspired me to go for the trophy," she explained.

"We did our calculations and decided to at least come out with two points from every hole."

Thuo feels the Interbank Sports should be made bigger and better as it provides an opportunity for the bankers to bring the best out of themselves from their normal banking lives.

"Golf provided us with a rare opportunity to mingle and get to know another well after the Covid-19 pandemic," she said.

Thuo who has over 19 years experience in the banking world pledged to to keep up with the game of golf as she tries to encourage others to embrace the sport.

At the same time, Razak Hussein raked in 32 points to emerge runners up in the sponsors category as Steve Lubia (34) lifted the title.

Men's runners up award went to Yusuf Omari of Absa who had 42 points as Daniel Ndega of Stanbic finished third.

Brian Mangoli won the chipping competition that was held alongside the tournament.

Over 50 beginners also had a chance to attend a golf clinic at the Muthaiga Golf Club range during the occasion.

According to Lubia who is also the Bring Global Managing Partner, Sub Saharan Africa, their company opted to be the golf title sponsors because of the persona which their digital transformation company is targeting.

"The solutions that we provide require very heavy investments and for that to happen we need decision makers and members of the board to actually preside over such investments," he stated.