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Kenya to Participate in the World International Pairs Finale

KENYA TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WORLD INTERNATIONAL PAIRS
Kenya will for the third time participate the world international Pairs Finale scheduled to take place from the 6th to the 10th of November 2023. This highly-regarded tournament will be hosted at the Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort in Portugal:
The following golfers earned the honor of representing Kenya in the prestigious International Pairs competition after topping in the local finale held on 1st September 2023 at Windsor Golf Club.
1. Anthony Korir & Sammy Chepkwony – Home Club: Kericho Club
2. Ignatius Ngetich & Joel Chebon – Home Club: Kericho Club
3. Nelson Koech & Isaac Kuto Home Club: Nandi Bears Club
The team will be accompanied by the KGU chairman Mr. Philip Ochola.
“These golfers have demonstrated outstanding skills and a deep commitment to the sport. They have successfully qualified for the International Pairs competition, where they will represent Kenya and compete on an international stage. We have high expectations for their performance and are confident that they will make Kenya proud.” Said Mr. Philip Ochola , KGU chairman
“The International Pairs competition is renowned for its high level of competition and sportsmanship, and we are excited to see our Kenyan representatives excel in this challenging event”.he added

Since the start of the series in 2019, seven pairs have participated in the fully paid trip to the World Grand Finale.
Mike Karanga and Steve Kiaro, James Kamenchu and Anthony Murage, and Bhamra Bilu and Romy Sandhu, participated in the finals in 2019 at Penina Golf Resort, Portugal.
In 2022, Saawan Shah and Jay Varia, Chand Shah and Kush Shah, Julius Rono and Eric Mutai, and Steve Kiaro and David Gitao, participated in the finals at La Cala Golf Resort, Spain.

About Local Qualifying Rounds
The Union invites golfers across the country to participate and the top 5 pairs meet at a grand finale tournament. The top 3 pairs from the grand finale get a fully paid sponsorship to participate in the World International pairs finals in Portugal.
About International Pairs
The International Pairs is the World’s Largest Golf Tournament. Local, regional and national tournaments are organized and promoted by licensed partners around the globe.
The top national teams represent their country or territory at the World Final for the chance to be crowned World Champions.

Thika Sports Club ( Spartans ) wins 2023 Nairobi District League

In a remarkable display of talent, determination, and unwavering teamwork, Thika Sports Club has secured their second consecutive championship in the 2023 Nairobi District League.

Under the skilled leadership of Captain Chris Mwandwa ,Thika Sports Club displayed remarkable consistency in their performance, keeping their supporters on the edge of their seats with thrilling matches. Their unwavering dedication and continuous improvement have undoubtedly paved the way for their outstanding success.

Media Links
https://nation.africa/kenya/sports/golf/thika-sports-club-inch-closer-to-nairobi-league-title-4380842

Kenya Host Tournaments Administration and Refereeing Seminar

Kenya Golf Union is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the three-day Tournament Administration and Rules Seminar, which took place from 24th to 26th October 2023at Windsor Golf and Country Club. The event, which attracted a total of 65 participants, aimed to provide valuable insights and knowledge in the field of golf administration and rules.

Throughout the seminar, participants engaged in a comprehensive program that covered various aspects of golf administration and rules, including tournament logistics, rule enforcement, and the intricacies of managing golf events. Renowned experts and professionals in the golf industry led the sessions, ensuring that attendees received the most up-to-date information and practical insights.

The knowledge and experience gained during this seminar will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the professional growth and development of all who attended. Participants now possess a solid understanding of the latest rules and best practices in golf administration, which will significantly contribute to the successful management of golf events in Kenya and other participating countries.

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Philip Ochola assumes the 2023/2024 KGU Chairmanship

Philip Ochola of Muthaiga Golf Club was elected unopposed as the 2023/2024 Kenya Golf Union Chairman during the Union’s Annual General Meeting held on Friday 26th May 2023, at Muthaiga Golf Club.
David Ndung’u of Limuru Country Club, Chris Kinuthia of Thika Sports Club and Karugu Macharia of Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club assumed the Vice Chairman, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer positions respectively. The six executive positions were won by Brian Akun (55 votes), Francis Wambua (70 votes), Ndiga Kithae (60 votes), Jonathan Marucha (72 votes), Sammy Itemere (74 votes) and Thomas Mwaura (60 votes) out of the eleven nominees. 91 ballots were cast out of the 104 eligible voters representing an 88% turnout.

Brookhurst International School partners with the Kenya Golf Union to launch Golf in the School

The Kenya Golf Union launched a partnership with the Brookhurst School to have golf implemented as a sport in the school. The event was held at Brookhurst School-Kiserian Campus and was attended by students and officials from the school, Kenya Golf Union and Junior Golf Foundation officials.

The KGU Chairman-Mr Philip Ochola-speaking during the event thanked Brookhurst School for the great decision and to encouraged other schools to emulate. “We believe that the youth/ juniors represent the future of our beloved sport, it is therefore imperative that we provide them with the necessary resources, mentorship and opportunities to thrive. KGU has partnered with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and signed an MOU that intends to introduce golf in schools as one way of demystifying and developing this game.”

The director of the school, Prof Ruth Waweru, noted that the partnership is very much in line with the core principles of the school that include academic excellence, sports and talent development. “The school has produced exceptional students in academics and extra-curricular activities and the introduction of golf is a great step for the school.”

The JGF President-Regina Gachora- stressed the importance of nurturing talents from an early age and the opportunities that are available for juniors. “For Golf in schools to succeed, it is important for the students to be members of Junior Golf Foundation that grants them access to all golf clubs affiliated to the Kenya Golf Union. The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts recently launched the Talanta Hela Initiative which promotes talents whether in sports or the arts. Your talent can open scholarship opportunities for you and can even be monetized,” she said. The students also got an opportunity to hit some golf balls as guided by the veteran golf professionals, Rose Naliaka and Jacob Okello and were greatly excited on the prospects of taking up the sport.

 

MICHAEL KARANGA WINS RAILWAY INVITATIONAL

Kiambu Golf Club’s Michael Karanga Sunday won the Railway Invitation tournament with a three rounds total of four under 212 gross at the par 72 Kenya Railway Golf Club course.

He posted an impressive six under par 66 with a three rounds total of four under 212 gross. Playing with home player John Lejrmah in the final round, he set off well for the day, picking up two straight birdies in the first two holes.

Karanga now leads the KAGC series with a total of 534.4 points, well ahead of Lejirmah who earned 56 points for his second place for a total of 319 points

Six amateurs secure Kenya Open slots

The Kenya Golf Union (KGU) has named six amateur golfers who will participate in this year’s Magical Kenya Open to be held at Muthaiga Golf Club from March 9 to 12.

The names were announced on Sunday at Sigona Golf Club after the conclusion of the 64th Sigona Bowl tournament, the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) season opener.

Releasing the names, KGU chairman Njani Ndiritu said the team will travel to South Africa for special training and participate in some tournaments.

Leading the team is national team captain Dennis Maara of Limuru Country Club, who qualified for the DP World Tour Magical Kenya after winning the Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship at Royal Nairobi Golf Club last year after beating Muthaiga’s Jay Sandhu in the final.

Others are John Lejirmah from Kenya Ralway Golf Club, Jay Sandhu of Muthaiga, Njoroge Kibugu and Daniel Kiragu from Muthaiga and Nyali Golf and Country Club’s Adel Balala.

Lejirmah won the Kenya Amateur Open Stroke Play Championship at Vipingo Ridge Kilifi, and ended the 2022 season as the top amateur golfer.


Njoroge Kibugu earned his place in the Open by virtue of been the only Kenyan golfer who made the cut during last year’s Open, while Kiragu and Balala qualified through their positions in the order of Merit.

ADEL BALALA RETAINS NYALI OPEN TITLE

Defending champion Adel Balala beat Kenya Amateur StrokePlay Champion John Lejirmah of Kenya Railway Golf Club by four shots, to retain the Nyali Open golf title at the par 71 Nyali Golf and Country Club course Mombasa on Sunday.


The Nyali player Balala, who has not been in his great form over the past three months, shot a 54-hole total of one over par 214, to keep the trophy at home. Lejirmah had posted 218 gross to finish second, with William Odeck on 219 coming home third, while Golf Park’s Sammy Mulama on 221 was fourth.

JOHN LEJIRMA CLAIMS 2022 GOLFER OF THE YEAR

John Lejirmah is the country’s best amateur golfer after accumulating a total of 594 points. He was awarded the trophy for being the best Kenya Amateur player with an average lowest gross score of 71.85 per round.

Lejirma was named after the final event of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Event – Nyali Open

Jay Sandhu – 2022 Uhuru Shield Winner

Muthaiga Golf Club’s Jay Sandhu beat a field of 57 leading golfers at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club course, to claim the 2022 Uhuru Shield golf tournament on Sunday.

Sandhu, who has been a regular player at Royal where he started his golfing career though he is a member of Muthaiga, posted an impressive final round two under 70, to beat Kenya Railway Golf Club’s James Kamenchu by a whole 10 shots. Starting with three over par on Friday’s first round, Sandhu moved to the top after posting one under par 71 in the second round on Saturday.

“My game has been very good as I am hitting the ball pretty well though my putting has not been 100 per cent. All the same, I am very happy winning the Uhuru Shield because it has put me at a fairly safe place for next year’s Magical Kenya Open,’’ said Sandhu who plays well at Royal particularly where the course is a bit wet.