Tributes pour in for fallen Nakuru Golf Club professional golfer Lorum

Late professional golfer James Lorum in past action. [Photo courtesy]

Nakuru Golf Club professional golfer James Lorum is dead.

Lorum died on Monday after a long illness with former Nakuru Golf Club chairman Mandeep Sahota confirming the new development.

"He died on Monday afternoon and we are converging as club members to decide on how we can accord him a decent send-off," Sahota told Standard Sports.

When we arrived at the club, a sombre mood engulfed the club as members they were seen in smaller groups talking about the departed hero.

Lawyer Kamonjo Kiburi described Lorum, as a very talented golfer and a formidable match play partner whose presence on the golf course brought joy and camaraderie.

Lorum shared a birth date with Kiburi and Wachira Musouth on January 1. And the trio used to play golf together on that date.

Past chairman Steve Kihumba described Lorum as a dedicated member of the NGC family and a pillar of the golfing community in Nakuru and beyond.

He said under his guidance and luminaries like Richard Ainley, many of the club golfers learnt the intricacies of the game.

The deceased held the club's course record of 65 Nett which he set in 2004.

"When I was elected Club Captain in March 2015 while at handicap 26, Lorum's commitment to my success never wavered. He took me through the rules book like a priest undertaking k class," said Kihumba. 

"I immediately co-opted him into the competitions sub-committee where his contribution and unwavering support for junior golf were truly remarkable."

Professional golfer Kopan Timbe described the fallen hero as a close friend whom they shared lots of things at the national team from 2002 to 2005 as amateur golfers.

"We played together at the club level and at the national team. Our experience are in tandem with expectations of many amateur and professional golfers," said Timbe.

Burial arrangements are being conducted at the club.