By PHILLIP ORWA
Silvester Etaan and Mercy Wafula emerged as the winners during the NCBA Golf Series that took place at Golf Park on Friday, April 17, as five golfers secured qualification for the Grand Finale later this year.
The handicap 3, Etaan, returned an impressive gross score of 74 to emerge as the Overall Gross Winner in the men’s category, while Wafula carded 82 to clinch the ladies’ Overall Gross Winner title.
“I had a good four-ball today, and I’m pleased with how I played. I’ve been in recovery mode after an injury last week, so this was an important outing for me as I continued to regain rhythm and confidence. It was also a good opportunity to sharpen up ahead of the upcoming league action in Ruiru, so I’m happy with the progress and looking forward to building on this performance in Ruiru,” said Etaan.
In the junior category, Doris Mideva recorded 82 Gross to take the Overall Gross Winner (Junior) honours, underlining the growing strength of the junior pipeline.
Fredrick Mbugua claimed the Division 2 title after posting 64 nett, while Dennis Mbatau led the Division 3 category with a winning score of 65 nett, edging a tightly contested field.
The strong performances saw Etaan, Wafula, Mideva, Mbugua, and Mbatau secure coveted slots at the NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale, scheduled for November 28 at Karen Country Club.
In other results, Nicholas Muiruri returned 71 nett to win Division 1, with Lavin Asego finishing runner-up on 72 nett. Evelyn Kanyi posted 65 nett to take the Division 2 runner-up position, while Mwangi Kiragu finished third in Division 3 with 71 nett.
Among the juniors, Aiden Opiyo impressed with a score of 66 in the junior nett category, while Mwendwa Mutuku finished as runner-up with 68 nett. John Mundia emerged as the guest winner after returning 66 nett.
NCBA Kilimani Branch Manager Petronilla Maingi said: “Congratulations to all our winners today. The Series continues to grow as one of the most engaging not only in the country but also across the region where we aim to bring together the golfing community and create memorable experiences both on and off the course. I wish you all the best as you prepare for the Grand Finale.”
This was the eighth qualifying event this season after Royal Nairobi Golf Club in January, Kericho Golf Club, Muthaiga Golf Club, and Mombasa Golf Club in February, Mt Kipipiri Golf & Resort and Kenya Railways Golf Club in March, and Nanyuki Sports Club earlier this month.
Up next on the calendar is the Sigona Golf Club qualifying event next weekend.
