Kimani Njagi crowned at Royal course

Crown Paints Limited Ceo Rakesh Rao (left) presents the Crown Golf Tournament Overall prize to the winner Kimani Njagi (right) at Royal Nairobi Golf Club in Nairobi, July 20, 2024. [Mose Samm, Standard]

The Royal Nairobi golf course witnessed an exhilarating victory as local golfer Kimani Njagi triumphed during the Crown Paints Golf Day over the weekend.

Despite playing off a handicap of 29, Njagi showcased exceptional skill by securing an impressive 43 stableford points, claiming the overall title and outplaying a formidable field of 241 golfers.

Njagi attributed his success to his unwavering determination and a stroke of good fortune, expressing his delight at the hard-earned win.

"It was a great day for me on the course. I just stayed focused and played the course as it was. It is a great win for me," he said.

The unforgiving rough saw both seasoned players and newbies struggle throughout their rounds. Dr. Rakesh Rao, the CEO of Crown Paints Limited Plc, reflected on the demanding nature of the course, comparing the challenging rough patches to the economic hardships facing the country.

"The course was playing tough, particularly the roughs were rough on me. I can only equate it to the tough economic times we are experiencing as a country."

Youngster Joshua Kounha, playing off handicap 26, clinched the Men's winner title with 41 stableford points. Another junior, Shawn Malesi, came in second place for the Men's category but narrowly lost to Kounah on a countback with a score of 41 stableford points.

Playing off handicap 21, Lucy Kisia emerged as the top player in the lady's section, winning the Lady's title with a score of 41 stableford points. Catherine Mburugu secured the second place with a score of 40 stableford points, while Amara Kimari settled for the third prize, also with 40 stableford points.

With a Gross score of 75, club Vice Captain Willy Mastamet posted the best Gross score. In Division Four, Eunice Kuria, playing off handicap 43, scored 38 stableford points, making her the best among the rest.

In the Seniors category, Rogers Mbithi, playing off handicap 18, carded 39 stableford points, making him the Senior prize winner. The Junior prize was won by Cherono Korir with a score of 37 stableford points off handicap 12.

Dr. Rao, playing off handicap 18 and scoring 27 stableford points, led from the front to clinch the Sponsor winner prize. The Sponsor Guest winner prize went to Auma Adhiambo, with a handicap of 21 and 38 stableford points.

Habil Waswani won the Longest Drive Men prize in the commercials category, while Conslate Achieng secured the Longest Drive Lady winner prize.

Hillary Tororey missed out on an ace by two inches to win the Nearest to Pin prize, while Anne Thoronjo won the Nearest to the Pin Ladies prize.