Preparations in top gear for second edition of Sotet golf tournament

Sotet Chairman Eliud Bett reacts to his stray swing in last weekend's tournament in Mombasa. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

A celebration of excellence, heritage, and the rich Kalenjin culture returns in the second edition of this year’s ‘Sotet’ golf tournament scheduled to be played at the par 71 Sea-link Mombasa Golf Club course in Mombasa County on Saturday.

The daylong 18 holes stable ford tournament hosted by the 'Sotet' Golfers Association composed of golfers from Mombasa, the North and South Rift Valley has attracted an estimated 150 players across the country.

The association’s chairman Eliud Bett said yesterday that they are bringing tradition, sport, and some seriously fun vibes to the sea-front.

Bett pointed out that the tournament organised with a cultural background is aimed at promoting community engagement and fostering strong relations between various businesses, corporates and friends in the coastal region.

“It’s going to be legendary. We expect the golfers to swing harder than a ‘Kalenjin’ runner on marathon day and there will be plenty of our traditional drink ‘mursik’ and more foods like ‘artet’, ‘kimyetapbeek’ and ‘kipeketinik.’ So pack your appetite and your best golf swing for the day,” said Bett.

The association’s secretary Janet Wasike said this year’s theme is ‘Celebrating Culture and Diversity’.

“Sotet-is our calabash that we use to make ‘mursik’ which is the ‘Kalenjin’ traditional milk and the event brings golfers from all over the country to celebrate culture and diversity,” said Wasike.

Club chairman Paul Munyao said they are honoured to host the tournament again and confirmed that all is ready for the day.

He said the tournament is expected to be competitive with fun and lots of entertainment both on and off the course with friendly set pin positions for the golfers to enjoy the course.

Munyao also confirmed that the course is in pristine condition and playing well but cautioned players to be watchful against the current strong winds blowing to the course from the nearby Indian Ocean that may affect their swings.

Sotet Secretary Janet Wasike follows her swing shot. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

Among the expected strong team of players from Kericho are Jonah Cheptoo, Tabitha Serem, Amos Korir, Kiprotich Kemboi, Eunice Korir, Chris Birgen, David Biegon and Kipkurgat Nicholas.

Local golfers includes Eliud Bett,Janet Wasike, Paul Munyao, Faith Muteti, Gladys Kasi, Prisca Jebet, Ken Kimundi, Dr. Kikwai Kibet, James Gitonga, Maj.Epapra Lagat, Edwin Kiptoo, Willy Sang, Paul Koech, Bernard Simiyu, Symon Wambugu, Diana Nthiwa, Grace Kwamboka and Peter Cheruiyot.

Meanwhile, Kakamega Sports Club will be the host for the ‘Ashanti’ golf tournament slated for Saturday.

More than 140 golfers expected from the home club, Nyanza and Kisii Sports Clubs are set to grace the event.

Club Captain James Anzabwa said yesterday that the tournament supported by senior members of the club led by Ambassador Bruce Madete is expected to be competitive especially among the home players eyeing for the day’s honour.

They include Club chairman Andrew Maleche, green keeper Ronald Omondi and Derek Bluechip Mwaura amongst other established golfers at the club.