Kenyans chase after Sh3.4m prize money in Nigeria tournament

Muthaiga Golf Club's Nelson Mudanyi. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

A record-breaking field of professional and elite amateur golfers from 13 countries will take part in the 5th Edition of the Chief Ikenna Okafor CIO Golf Classic, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The confirmed players are from Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Gambia, Cameroon and Nigeria.

According to the Professional Golf Association of Nigeria, several African countries have sent players to compete for a share of the 45 million Naira (Sh3.4 million) purse.

Kenya will send a contingent of six professionals and one amateur to vie for top honours. The Kenyan players are Nelson Mudanyi, Njoroge Kibugu, Mutahi Kibugu, and Greg Snow from Muthaiga Golf Club, Erick Ooko of Golf Park, CJ Wangai of Sigona Golf Club.

Others are Samuel Njoroge of Kenya Railway Golf Club, Jastas Madoya of Great Rift Valley Golf Resort and veteran Dismas Indiza of Kakamega Sports Club.

John Gitonga, who has a handicap index of 1.7, is the only Kenyan amateur in the delegation. Among the rich field of 106 players is the defending champion, Gift Willy, who will be looking to defend his title at his home course.

So far, the best performance by a Kenyan at this event was by Mudanyi, who finished 15th in 2012.

Meanwhile, after staging a successful Captain Caesar Mugo prize last weekend, Kiambu Golf Club will host 78 golfers for the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship - Kiambu Open.

This year's tournament has attracted a competitive field of top amateurs, including Josphat Rono, who is still thrilled after winning The Golf Park Open at home last week.

Local players, including Kenya One Michael Karanga, Mike Ngene, Steve Kiaro, and Joyce Wanjiru, will aim to prove their skills as they seek to wrest the title from defending champion Naomi Wafula of Vipingo PGA Baobab.

Currently, the course is playing short due to recent rains in the region.

"We are ready for top-level golf over the next three days as we welcome players to compete for a share of the Sh500,000 prize. We've recently renovated our bunkers, which will enhance the overall experience," said captain Mugo.