-ICEA LION group CEO Philip Lopokoiyit say the series only gets better and every year is special and an opportunity for growth.
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS.
Phelistus Mativo playing off handicap 33 carded a sterling 45 stable ford points to emerge the overall winner in the 3rd leg of the ICEA LION king of the course series golf tournament played at the Ruiru Sports club course in Kiambu county on Saturday.
“Iam excited and happy for my first win of the year which has opened positively for me.it was an excellent day of golf in the course which is playing well and meeting new friends. I would like to thank ICEA LION for this sponsorship and the club for their excellent organization of this successful tournament. Am looking forward to playing better in the fourth coming tournaments, “said Mativo.
The tournament sponsored by the ICEA LION group in their ongoing series countrywide brought together 290 golfers from Kiambu County and its environs including the wider Nairobi region and Chief Executive Officers (CEO) with senior executives from across the country.
Handicap 26 Johnson Wambugu was the member winner after carding 44 points while handicap 24 Gabriel Wabuti on 43 points and handicap 24 Linus Wachira with 42 points were third and runners up respectively.
Marion Ngaruiya playing off 29 topped the ladies carding a count back score of 43 points to win the Lady winner’s prize, displacing handicap 22 Salome Mwaura to the runners up slot after both tied.
Handicap 25 John Komu was the guest winner on 41 points while handicap 19 P.N.Gaitara with 47 points and handicap 27 Shirlleen Kariuki on 40 points were the Senior and Junior winners respectively.
The Division two lady winner’s prize on 47 points was claimed by handicap 42 Rosaita Mbukua while the same for men was won by handicap 38 Victor Silla who brought 45 points and Benson Mwangi playing off handicap 26 carded 38 points was the Sponsor’s winner.
This tournament follows the second leg of this year’s ICEA LION king of the course series corporate tournament played the previous day at the 18-hole par 72 Thika greens golf resort championship course in the same county.
Machakos golfer Bernard Mutua playing off handicap 19 celebrated a victory after carding an excellent 49 points to emerge the overall winner beating 200 golfers.
Handicap 12 Sunday Abuka on 40 points was the Member winner while handicap 14 Rachel Ndei on 39 points and handicap 18 Jackline Sirai with 38 points emerged the runners up and third placed respectively.
The guest winner was handicap 23 Anthony Muturi with a score of 44 points and handicap 28 Christopher Karanja carded 42 points to claim the runners up spot.
Handicap 32 Perpetual Mwatha claimed the Lady winner’s prize after recording 41 points beating handicap 35 Jane Munyori to the runners up by a single point difference.
The Staff prize on 40 points was won by handicap 23 Gerald Mutuma while handicap 19 John Kitaka with 23 points and handicap 27 George Keru on 33 points were the Junior and Senior winners respectively.
ICEA LION group General Manager Peter Mukuria said they are excited to be gathered yet again at Ruiru Sports Club, the home of ICEA LION and one of the oldest golf clubs in Kenya where he is also a proud member.
“I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for being part of this cherished event and your continued support both from the club and fellow members. Allow me to take this opportunity to thank the teams who have come here from the various ICEA LION King of the course participating club’s representatives from Machakos Golf Club, Thika Greens, Nanyuki and Nandi Bears Clubs. Your love for the game and support of ICEA LION have greatly contributed to our continued growth and success. Let me acknowledge all the staff of ICEA LION present. If they could all stand and wave so we know where they are seated. Hopefully, through the engagements, we will consult with each other as these people carry solutions to all your insurance needs, “pointed out Mukuria.
He thanked Ruiru Sports Club’s management, directors, and all the members for hosting the tournament and looks forward to being back next year.
ICEA LION group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and an ardent golfer Philip Lopokoiyit from Karen Country club thanked all the golfers and the two clubs for organizing the successful tournaments.
“The series kicked off on a high note in Machakos on 4 th, January which was also bigger and better and we look forward to more opportunities for continued engagement with our existing and potential clients together with our stakeholders. The series only gets better and every year is special and an opportunity for our growth, “said Lopkoiyit.
He said that as a passionate golfer it’s always a pleasure to meet with friends and fellow enthusiasts of this wonderful game as they continue with the ICEA LION King of the Course 2025 series.
“Your presence here truly elevates the spirit of this event. Did you know that Ruiru Sports Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in Kenya, established in the early 20th century? It’s a testament to the enduring love for the game in this region. We are still in a celebratory mood as we continue to commemorate 60 years of excellence and partnership. Our history dates back to 1895, but it is 60 years today since the establishment of one of our business units, Life, in 1964. Throughout these six decades, our journey has been one of growth, innovation, resilience, and legacy, “noted Lopokoiyit.
The CEO further continued, “Even as we extend our commitment to sports, we are also aware of our responsibilities toward the environment and society. Our dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices aligns with global goals while focusing on local impact. For instance, our leadership in the Nairobi Declaration on Sustainable Insurance has brought together 230 signatories from 36 countries across Africa to champion sustainable practices. Locally, we are driving sustainability through the restoration and growth of tree cover in Kenya, including a tree nursery at our Riverside Park offices. ICEA LION’s commitment to social responsibility is reflected in our ongoing sponsorship of the Junior Golf Foundation. By investing in junior golf, we nurture the next generation of talent, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and passion for the game in a supportive environment.
Lopokoiyit said that on the business front, the group retained its GCR Triple-A credit rating for both life and general business in 2024, underscoring our robust financial strength.
“We also launched our Geothermal Well Output Insurance Product, mitigating risks of early-stage geothermal projects, and an extended warranty insurance product, offering comprehensive coverage for valuable possessions. I want to thank you all for your unwavering support and commitment. Your presence and enthusiasm make this event a resounding success. Let us continue to enjoy the evening, and may the best golfer win,” said Lopokoiyit.
General CEO Godfrey Kioi said he was delighted to stand before the guests as the new CEO of ICEA LION General where some them may know him as the immediate former CEO of Liberty Insurance.
Kioi pointed that he had been following this series of tournaments in the press for a while, from the sidelines as a competitor and it brings him immense joy to now be on this other side as the sponsor,actively participating in this noble and distinguished cause.
“While I am an avid tennis player myself, I assure you that you have my unwavering support and that of my team,” said Kioi.
“I would like to share some key highlights from our General Insurance business, which
reflects our ongoing commitment to progress and innovation.
Geothermal Well Output Insurance Product-This innovative product mitigates the risks of early-stage geothermal energy projects. By underwriting 30% of the risk stake, ICEA LION demonstrates its leadership in advancing green energy and fostering resilience across Africa, while actively working to reduce its carbon footprint through renewable energy investments and sustainable practices.Other products on the horizon for ICEA LION General including Simba SOS-This benefit is a reward for our claims-free customers. It utilizes advanced technology to ensure timely assistance when needed. Stay tuned for more details about how this will enhance your peace of mind and security.We also have Extended Warranty, another fantastic product designed to further enhance our customers’ experience and protection. Stay tuned for more details!Medical Second Opinion-MSO-We couldn’t be happier to have you with us today. Your presence and enthusiasm make this event truly special, and we look forward to many more successful tournaments ahead. Thank you all and I look forward to continued engagements with each one of you, “said Kioi.
From Ruiru, the series now moves to Nanyuki Sports Club on 8 th, March 2025 before taking a break, after which it will head North to Kericho Sports Club for a curtain raising corporate tournament and will land the following day at Nandi Bears Club 30 th, and 31st, May.
The grand winner of the 2024 series will participate in the 2025 Lekoa Classic scheduled for 28 th, and 29 th, of March 2025 at Emfuleni Golf Estate, Heron Banks Golf and River Estate, in South Africa.
ENDS.
FULL RESULTS-RUIRU SPORTS CLUB.
Overall winner-Phelistus Mativo(33)-45points,Member winner-Johnson Wambugu (26)-44points,Runers up-Gabriel Wabuti (24)-43points,Third-Linus Wachira (24)-42points,Fourth-Kigera Kamau (28)-42points,Lady winner-Marion Ngaruiya (29)-43points,Runners up-Salome Mwaura (22)-43points,Guest winner-Joseph Komu (25)-41points,Runners up-D.Nganga (20)-38points,Third-Saluny Edwin (17)-37points,
Senior winner-P.N.Gaitara (19)-40points,Division two lady winner-Rosaita Mbukua (42)-47points,Division two men winner-Victor Silla (38)-45points,Junior winner-Shirlleen Kariuki (27)-40points,Sponsor winner-Benson Mwangi (26)-38points,Longest drive men winner-Kevin Munyiri,Longest drive lady winner-Agnes Nyakio,Nearest to pin men winner-Bernard Rono,Nearest to pin lady winner-Pam Nkirote.
FULL RESULTS-THIKA GREENS GOLF RESORT CLUB.
Overall winner-Bernard Mutua (19)-49points,Member winner-Sunday Abuje (12)-40points,
Runners up-Rachel Ndei (14)-39points,Third-Jackline Sirai (18)-38points C/B,
Fourth-Jane Gikonyo (11)-38points,Guest winner-Anthony Muturi (23)-44points,Ladywinner-Perpetual Mwatha (32)-41 points,Runners up-Jane Munyori (35)-40points,Staff winner-Gerald Mutuma (23)-40points.Junior winner-John Kitaka (19)-23points,Senior winner-George Keru (27)-33points,Subsidiary winner-Alice Dan (38)-46points,Runners up-Agnes Wairimu (40)-44points.
ENDS.
NOTE;
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