Sawarn wins KGS Presidents Prize in Thika

Kenya Golfing Society (KGS) President Maina Ruo Prize (2024 Overall winner Sawarn Singh in action at Thika Sports Club, September 22, 2024. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

On Sunday, 67 players assembled at the Thika Sports Club layout for the Kenya Golfing Society (KGS) President Maina Ruo prize played under favourable weather conditions.

The 96-year-old society's membership includes distinguished past club Chairmen and former golf captains, who are enrolled strictly upon invitation from the society's top leadership to promote the game of golf in Kenya.

Both home and visiting golfers affiliated with the society appreciated the course's pristine conditions, declaring it a great success and providing an interesting challenge.

Dr Nyamu Njoka, a past KGS Captain and President, clarified the misconception about the Lucifer trophy also known as the Light/Match Trophy.

"The name of the Lucifer Trophy has nothing to do with Satan or the devil. It is derived from the Italian word Lucifero, meaning light." Nyamu explained.

Emphasizing that, "As a society, we are supposed to offer light on the game of golf, which is what we stand for and shall continue providing light and guidance as a society."

Kenya Golfing Society (KGS) President Maina Ruo Prize (2024 Overall winner Sawarn Singh with the Lucifer Trophy at Thika Sports Club, September 22, 2024. [Mose Sammy, Standard] Caption

A total of 17 matches have been played upcountry, with several others played within Nairobi.

Swaran Singh, a long-serving Machakos Sports Club Chairman, won the day with 41 stableford points, despite being on an on-and-off golf sabbatical due to a leg injury that didn't slow him down as he charged onto the podium.

Playing off handicap 17,  Swaran went back to the clubhouse with a winning score of 41 stableford points to triumph.

During the colourful presentation ceremony presided over by KGS Captain Ken Karanja where the society's dress code was strictly adhered to.

Taking advantage of his home course to settle for KGG's overall second winner with a better four-way countback score was home player Anthony Mutugi with 35 stableford points.

Others were Pami Sokhi, Nimish Shah and Gathuri Wanjau, winning KGS third, fourth and fifth prizes with 35 stableford points.

Outshining the visiting golfers was the Guest winner Roy Ruo, playing off handicap 25 with a score of 33 stableford points ahead of the Guest winner second, Garcia Kimemia, with30 stableford points.

Kenya Golfing Society (KGS) President Maina Ruo (left) presents the Overall prize to the winner Sawarn Singh (right) as KGS Vice-Captain, Pami Sokhi (centre) holds the Lucifer Trophy during the prize-giving luncheon at Thika Sports Club, September 22, 2024. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Winning the Nines was the First Nine winner, Darshan Mistry, with 22 stableford points. Rakesh Lakhani was the First Nine second prize winner with 20 stableford points.

The Second Nine prize was won by Sharat Varma, with 19 stableford points. David Irimu won the Second Nine second prize also with 19 stableford points.

In addition, six twos were registered by S Babra (11), David Gaitho (11), Nicholas Kabare (4), Anthony Mutugi (16), Nimish Shah (16) and Rakesh Lakhani (4) with each receiving four golf balls.