Kenya Open: Players awarded for their exploits on the course

Vision 2030 Director General Ken Mwige presents awards on Monday March 29, 2021 to golfers David Wakhu and Samuel Njoroge for their exemplary performance during the European Tour events, the Kenya open and Savannah Classic held at Karen Golf and Country Club. [Standard Sports]

It’s payday for golfers Njoroge and Wakhu

The duo was awarded Sh600, 000 each on Monday by Kenya Vision 2030 for making the cut in the Magical Kenya Open and Kenya Savannah Classic.

Kenya’s golf aces Samuel Njoroge and David Wakhu have a vision; to win the Magical Kenya Open golf championship before 2030.

Their dreams have been inspired by the good run they had at the two European Tour events; the Kenya Open and Kenya Savannah Classic held at the Karen Golf and Country Club, in Nairobi.

“I had a great run in the Savannah and strongly believe I will lift the Kenya Open title very soon. It is possible,” Wakhu told Standard Sports.

“Making the cut at the Kenya Open inspired me. I now believe I can reach whatever height I want to attain in golf. I can win this tournament in the next 10 years,” said Njoroge.

The two were speaking at Karen yesterday where they were honoured by Kenya Vision 2030 for making the cut in both events.

Njoroge sailed to the money bracket in the Open on two under par 140; ending the championship in 77th position after a level par finish in the four rounds he recorded 72,68,74,70.

Likewise, inform Wakhu was in a class of his own as he combed the Karen fairways to make the cut at the Savannah Classic on an eight under par 134, which was historic.

He finished 57th overall on seven under par 277 after scoring 66,68,74,69 in the four rounds.

Kenya Vision 2030 awarded each player with Sh600, 000 for attaining the feat amongst 156 golfers who were in contention.

Vision 2030 Director General Ken Mwige presents awards on Monday March 29, 2021 to golfers David Wakhu and Samuel Njoroge for their exemplary performance during the European Tour events, the Kenya open and Savannah Classic held at Karen Golf and Country Club. [Standard Sports]

They were the only Kenyans among the 20 locals who proceeded to the third round of both tournaments.

“We have decided to support the players directly in order to help them cut down on their golfing expenses,” Vision 2030 Director General Kenneth Mwige said.

“We urge other corporates to follow suit and support local talent.”

“The support we have received from Kenya Vision 2030 is quite unbelievable. I will consult my coach to give me better ways to invest the money,” Wakhu said.

On his part, Njoroge said he will use the money to purchase golf equipment, higher a coach and sort out some expenses at his Railways Golf Club base.

Vision 2030 Director General Ken Mwige presents awards on Monday March 29, 2021 to golfers David Wakhu and Samuel Njoroge for their exemplary performance during the European Tour events, the Kenya open and Savannah Classic held at Karen Golf and Country Club. [Standard Sports]

The duo asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to reconsider the closure of golf courses in Kenya.

“We know times are tough because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but clubs can be re-opened for us to continue practising and playing golf without fans,” Wakhu said.

“Most players rely on the game to pay their bills and going without tournaments will bring more harm.”

Wakhu thanked his other sponsors including the Golf Park Covid Team, the Kitenge Dress, Duncan Sifuna,Robert Mathu, Jeremy Mugongo, Kimondo and Susan Munyori.

He said he’s received three international invites from the European Tour golf team this year.

“I’m honoured to receive the invites. I’m just waiting for further communication from the European Tour team. I look forward to performing better in the tournaments,” he said.

Njoroge also thanked Mungai Nani, Ongata Works, Lisa Insurance Brokers, Rosemary Dolan, Kenya Railway Club and the Karen Good Golfers for supporting him.

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