John Lejirma wins Ruiru Open

Ruiru Open winner John Lejirma at Ruiru Sports Club. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

John Lejirma achieved a great feat by winning the Ruiru Open with a total score of 206 (69, 69, 68), finishing 13-under par.

He narrowly missed the course record set by Benard Omondi, but delivered an outstanding 5-under performance on the final day.

Lejirma, an amateur sponsored by Eezi Toothpaste and representing the Kenya Railway Golf Club, has shown exceptional skill by winning three out of nine Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) events.

This includes consecutive wins at the TransNzoia Open in Kitale and the Ronald Marshal Trophy in Njoro last month.

The Ruiru Open, sponsored by NCBA Bank, Workpay, and John Njenga with a prize fund of Sh500,000, saw Lejirma claim the majority of the prize money (Sh115,600), with the remaining amount shared among the top 20 players.

Teaming up with Ugandan golfers Andre SSekibejja from Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Joseph Kasozi from Kinyara Golf Club, Lejirma aimed for a 7-under score on the final day and displayed confidence and remarkable performance.

The Ruiru Open demonstrated the course's challenging nature and tested the participants' skills.

Notably, the meet included a record field of seven female entrants, with three earning a place in both the cut and the money list.

Players like Serah Khanyereri from Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Joyce Wanjiru from Kiambu Golf Club, and Kellie Gachaga from Muthaiga Golf Club showcased their talent and determination.

Notably absent from the tournament were Michael Karanga from Kiambu Golf Club, who is participating in the British Amateur Open, and defending champion Adel Balala from PGA Vipingo Ridge.

Also absent was Dennis Maara from Limuru Golf and Country Club.

During the prize-giving ceremony, Lejirma said; "The course was playing easy, and that's why I shot under par. As we head to Kakamega Sports Club for the Goldfields Trophy, I will repeat the same. Be ready guys!"