Steve Maina braves misty weather to bag Crown title

Limuru Golf Club chairman David Irimu (right) with Rakesh Rao. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard].

It was misty, cloudy and rainy, but these did not deter Steve Maina from triumphing in the Crown Paints Golf tournament at the par 71 Limuru Country Club , over the weekend.

The home golfer, playing off handicap 16, returned an excellent countback score of 41 stableford points to claim the overall title in the daylong event that attracted 205 golfers.

Maina's victory came after playing six level pars and a mixed body shot for 20 and 21 points in both nines to bag his maiden title.

"The weather was terrible. It was misty, dark clouds and a wet course following the rains, but I am really happy to have made it. This is indeed my greatest moment and I thank the sponsors and organisers for the success of the tournament," said Maina.

The highlight of the day was when Crown Paints Chief Executive Officer Rakesh Rao sunk a hole-in-one on the 16th hole.

The handicap 17, who plays for Muthaiga Golf Club, was feted for his effort and his name registered in the Clubs "hole in one" Heroes and Heroines Board.

Rao returned an excellent day's score of 37 points from additional five level pars and mixed bogeys.

"Today has been my lucky day. This is a dream come true for any golfer in the world and it does not come any easy. It was cloudy and my shot just landed straight to the hole. Imagine I did not see it coming but I am extremely happy," said Rao.

Handicap 10 P.G.Mwangi won in Division A with 41 points, while handicap 37 Kevin Githunguri carded 38 points to claim the Division B Men winner title.

Susan Mwanza, playing off handicap 19, was the Division A lady winner on 33 points, while handicap 42 Anne Wanjiru was the Division B lady winner on 38 points.

Handicap 11 Victory Waiyaki won the junior winner prize with a score of 36 points, while handicap 10 David King'ori was the guest winner.

Limuru Golf Club Chairman David Irimu thanked golfers for attending in large numbers and the sponsor for choosing the club to stage their event.

"You the golfers and Sponsors have made the day very successful and we look forward to hosting again in this championship course," said Irimu.