Ndegwa painted Nakuru pink with a Flamingo Shield win

2nd edition of the Flamingo Shield golf tournament, James Ndegwa teeing off on the par-four 14th hole at the Nakuru Golf Club course, August 31, 2024. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Just like in life we must push our limits and bring out the best in us and in so doing James Ndegwa wanted to prove a point by winning the Flamingo Shield tournament over the weekend.

He was declared the Flamingo Shield overall winner in absentia upon excusing himself to attend an emergency.

"I've had several near misses on the podium finish and I needed to get past that point, so I decided I must push myself to the limit. That has finally paid off," Ndegwa told The Standard.

Known for his single-handed putting stroke, Ndegwa chalked up 37 stableford points, playing off handicap 28 to outshine the 149 amateurs and 16 professional golfers who participated in the tournament at the par-73 Nakuru Golf Club layout.

The event was presented by Kingdom Bank, Corteva Agriscience, Maxine Creations, Konnect Data Networks, Greensteds International Schools, and Pach Sports, in partnership with Cool Ridge Water, Urbanswift Facility Management, Nectar Gyn and Fertility Center, Liberty Cancer and Wellness Center, Ruel Software, Eneza IT Solutions, and MB Graphics.

An initiative of a group of young members who joined the 101-year-old club in 2022 christened "The Flamingoes 2022".

Commending the group for sponsoring the event, Kamonjo Kiburi said, "Your signature project of lighting up the course is thoughtful and impactful to NGC. It demonstrates goodwill, love for the club and ownership."

Last year, they donated audiovisual equipment to the club's management. This year, they embarked on an ambitious project to light up the 18th-hole green before extending onto the fairway soon and solarizing it.

"The Flamingoes 2022 underscores the values that we have as a club through the various projects they've undertaken," said Nakuru Golf Club's Vice-chairman, Linda Munyao.

On a score of 37 stableford points, Javan Muriithi claimed the Men's winner prize playing off handicap 10.

Micah Thuo posted 31 stableford points to win the Corporate Sponsor prize, followed by the Corporate Sponsor second winner, Millicent Madegwa, who posted 28 stableford points.

The Sponsor Man winner was Patrick Lomadi, playing off handicap 17, who carded 35 stableford points. Boniface Mouti was second with a score of 31 Stableford points. Cool Ridge Water director Margaret Wanjiru was the Sponsor Lady winner. Carol Bwana carded 29 stableford points to emerge as the Sponsor Lady winner second.

Elite amateur, Luther Kamau, scored 33 stableford points to claim the Gross prize playing off scratch.

Veteran Ramesh Khagram won the Senior winner prize with a score of 34 stableford points. Promising youngster Niel Kabora won the Junior prize with 37 stableford points.

Raphael Ndungire won the First Nine prize with 19 stableford points. Engineer Kinyua Muchiri won the Second Nine prize with 16 stableford points.

Hon Justice Sila Munya won the Straightest to Line Men prize. Margaret Mutwasi won in the ladies category on the slanting par-four, 14th hole.

Arnest Barnaba struggled the most on the course to win the Best Effort prize.