Elvis Muigua of Kiambu Golf Club says his recent triumph at this year’s Winston Churchill golf tournament, at the par 72 Thika Sports Club motivates him ahead of the forthcoming tournaments.
Muigua clinched victory by a single shot over Adel Balala of the Nyali Golf and Country Club and John Lejirmah from Railway, sealing his win with a total of level par 144 over 36 holes.
The 20-year-old Muigua, led from the the first round and sealed his win with a two-over-par 74 in the final round, securing Sh92,480 of the prize money.
Despite a challenging start with a bogey on the par-five first hole, Muigua displayed composure, carding eight pars on the front nine and seven on the back, with a lone bogey on the 17th. Although missing a birdie opportunity on the 18th, Muigua’s steady performance secured his victory.
Reflecting on his win, Muigua expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am very happy that I managed to finish a shot better despite missing a number of birdies. My golf has improved a great deal since the few tips I got while in South Africa. I am looking forward to the Golf Park Open this coming weekend.”
Balala, who delivered an impressive performance with five birdies and an eagle, finished with a two-under-par 70, while Lejirmah, with four birdies against three bogeys, finished with one-under-par 71 to tie for second place with Balala at over par 145.
“I had a great chance but poor finishing towards the end denied me victory. I will, however, try to work out my game before the next event at Golf Park,” commented Lejirmah, while Balala acknowledged the need to focus on consistency in his game, stating, “I need to go back to my practice session as I believe my game is just fine.”
The two second-place finishers took home Sh46,240 each.
Meanwhile, Isaac Makokha and Michael Karanga tied for fourth place, each with a total of two-over-par 146 gross.
After the Winston Churchill tournament which attracted a total of 111 golfers focus now shifts to this weekend’s Golf Park Open.
“As we bid farewell to the Winston Churchill Golf Tournament, I am thrilled to announce the next event, the Golf Park Open from April 12’’, remarked Kenya Golf Union,KGU Chairman Philip Ochola.
Players in Thika also used the championship to garner points on the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
