Kaguta tees off to victory at Nyali Club

William Kaguta sends a drive shot at Nyali Golf and Country Club course on Saturday. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

Defending champions William Kaguta and Mary Kandu retained their overall gross titles in style after braving a lengthy rain interruption during this year’s NCBA Golf Series, played at the Nyali Golf & Country Club course in Mombasa County on Saturday.

A strong field of 157 players had teed off in bright morning conditions before unexpected heavy rains pounded the par 71 course, forcing a suspension of play.

Fairways were left waterlogged, and bunkers flooded, with players taking shelter in the clubhouse as greenkeepers battled to make the course playable again.

Play resumed after nearly one hour, with the course playing softer and longer, testing the patience and resilience of the entire field.

Despite the conditions, Kaguta held his composure to card an excellent 2-over-par 73 gross to defend his overall Men's gross title.

“It feels great to retain the title. It is my home course but it never gets easy. The rain interruption in the middle of the round was the hardest part, as the course was very heavy. The fairways were holding, and the greens were slow. I just told myself to play smart, keep the ball in play and not chase too much.

Nathan Ngweno finished as gross Men runner up with a 6 over par 77 gross while Feisal Lasker finished third with 78 gross and Junior winner on 93 gross wasTonny Gachau.

In the ladies’ gross category, Mary Kandu once again proved her pedigree, returning a 6 over par 77 gross to retain her overall Lady gross title she won last year.

“I am excited to retain the title. Defending is always harder than winning the first time because everyone is watching you.

"The rain made it very tricky. We waited, and when we went back, the course had changed completely. The ball was not rolling, so I had to adjust and be patient. I am glad that patience paid off. To win here at home as the defending champion means a lot to me. I thank my playing partners, our Lady Captain Zaituni Mohamed, and the Club for the support and the sponsor for supporting such a great series for us ladies,” said Kandu.