-This first event of the 9th edition of the series brought together 195 golfers from Machakos and the wider Nairobi.
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEEWSLINKS;
Home club’s Julius Kioko carded 42 stable ford points to emerge the overall winner of the first event for the 9th edition of this year’s ICEA LION king of the course “year Opener” golf tournament played at the par 72 Machakos Country club course in Machakos county on Saturday.
The handicap 15 golfer’s victory came after playing ten level pars against with mixed bogey shots on the rest of the 18 holes to claim the overall spot in the day long 18 holes’ tournament sponsored by ICEA LION group that was attended by 195 golfers from the home club and the wider Nairobi.
“It has been a brilliant day with all my putting going the right way. It was also enjoyable playing with my four ball team and indeed am really excited to start the year as the winner in such a big event. I will continue with my practicing schedule to further improve my swings and putting. To my colleagues, watch out, here is the man to watch in the Club, “said Kioko.
David Mwangangi playing off handicap 16 was the men winner on a count back score of 41 points after tying on the same score with runners up placed handicap 19 L.M. Kamba while handicap 15 Mutuku Musyoka on 39 points and handicap 18 John Nzioka with 38 points were third and fourth respectively.
The Lady winner’s title on 41 points was claimed by handicap 34 Mercy Nderitu and handicap 24 Susan Musyoka brought 38 points to take the runners up spot.
Peter Mukuria playing off handicap 34 won the staff prize after carding 32 points while Francis Njeru playing off handicap 11 was the senior winner with 35 points and handicap 24 Edward Chebii brought 38 points to win the guest prize.
The subsidiary men winner was handicap 32 Michael Ngao who recorded 46 points and the same for the lady was won by handicap 41 Rosaita Mbukia who scored a total of 39 points.
This event follows the resounding success of last year’s 8th edition which unfolded across seven different clubs nationwide and concluded with a spectacular grand finale in October 2024 at the plush Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa County.
Machakos golf club captain Edwin Saluny thanked the large numbers of players for turning up to make the tournament successful.
The king of the course golf captain Joe Mboya said the golf circuit is a key fixture in ICEA LION’s annual events calendar and a cornerstone of its strategic objectives for customer-centricity and continuous brand engagement.
“The grand winner of the 2024 series has been scheduled to participate in the 2024 Lekoa Classic in April 2025 at Parys Golf & Country Estate-Vaal De Grace, in South Africa, “said Mboya.
ICEA LION General manager Peter Mukuria said this tournament marks the beginning of the 9th Edition of the King of the Course golf series this year and looking forward to even more golfers participating in the coming editions across the country.
“We love Machakos and always look forward to coming back here where it all began and where we start the new year. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for gracing us with your presence at this first tournament and also believe that being this early in the year, it is appropriate that I wish you all a Happy New Year, “said Mukuria.
He further recognized the organizers, the management of the club, and the participants who have worked hard to make this tournament a great success.
“Your dedication and hard work have created an atmosphere of sportsmanship that embodies the spirit of both golf and business. Last year, we recorded a turnout of 157 golfers today, we have surpassed that record with 19 5golfers, an achievement that is a testament to the excellent organization of this event as well as the unwavering support for the ICEA LION King of the Course. We are truly grateful for your resounding support, “noted Mukuria.
ICEA LION group Chairman Joe Wangai said they are thrilled on the success of the year opener tournament at Machakos course which witnessed a celebration of excellence and a platform for meaningful engagement with their clients and stakeholders.
“Apart from the ongoing series, the group’s commitment to social responsibility is also reflected in the ongoing support of the Junior Golf Foundation and that by investing in junior golf, the group is nurturing the next generation of talent, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and passion for the game in a supportive environment, said Wangai.
This tournament was the first in the eleven series earmarked for the year with next action moving to Ruiru Sports Club on February 8, which is expected to attract a formidable field of over 250 golfers.
The series will then proceed to Nanyuki Sports Club on March 8, followed by Nandi Bears with others being Thika greens, Nyeri, Kericho, Royal Nairobi, Karen, Mombasa before culminating in the grand finale at Nyali in October.
ENDS;
FULL RESULTS;
Overall winner-Julius Kioko (15)-42 points.
Men winner-David Mwagan (16)-41 points C/B.
Runners up-L.M. Kamba (19)-41 points.
Third-Mutuku Musyoka (15)-39 points.
Fourth-John Nzioka (18)-38 points.
Lady winner-Mercy Nderitu (34)-41 points.
Runners up-Susan Musyoka (24)-38 points.
Staff winner-Peter Mukuria (34)-32 points.
Senior winner-Francis Njeru (11)-35 points.
Guest winner-Edward Chebii (24)-38 points.
Subsidiary Men winner-Michael Ngao (32)-46 points.
Subsidiary Lady winner-Rosaita Mbukua (41)-39 points.
ENDS;
NOTE;
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