Veronica crowned 'King' of Machakos Course series tournament

ICEA Lion Group King of the Course Machakos leg overall winner Veronica Muthiani. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Veronica Muthiani conquered the frustrating par-72 Machakos Sports Club course to be crowned King of the Course over the weekend.

Muthiani had a great round on the tough playing course to claim the first leg of the sixth edition of ICEA Lion King of the Course series, formerly known as Year Opener Golf Tournament.

Playing off handicap 19, she chalked a commanding score of 39 stableford points to outshine 162 golfers who were in contention for the bragging rights.

Despite having challenges with her short game, the long-hitting Muthiani had several good breaks throughout her round of 18 to shine.

She capped off her win with an additional Longest Drive lady prize on the homestretch, par-five 18th hole.

"In addition to the amazing four-ball and having a very good caddy, the course was playing very well for me save for my lousy chipping," Muthiani said.

The tournament doubled up as the grand finale of 2022 ICEA Lion King of the Course series where all the winners from the previous series were invited to grace the finals.

Of the six invited, only the duo of Dickson Kingi and Kelvin Kaburu graced the tournament thus setting themselves up for a two-man duel with Kaburu having the better of Kingi with 33 stableford points to claim 2022 Winner of winner's prize.

Several clubs participated in the tournament which included host Machakos Sports Club, Naivasha Sports Club, Nandi Bears Club and Railway Golf Club,

Daniel Salaton was Member winner on a score of 38 stableford points beating top club player James Ndunda on countback to Member winner second on a similar score of 38 stableford points.

Handicap 19, Richard Muli and Joseph Kavivya were Member winners third and fourth on 38 and 37 stableford points respectively. [Mose Sammy]