Record Broken at Golf Tournament at Weekend
Kiambu golfer broke a record at the end of a three-day top amateur golfers’ open tournament [103rd Barry Cup] 2023 held at Mombasa golf club in Mombasa county.
Michael Karanga managed to break a record during the annual tournament after posting 64 gross beating the previous holder 32 years ago who had posted 66 gross.
Karanga had enjoyed support from his spouse Joyce Wanjiru who is also a golfer and who had travelled to the coastal city with their two children.
The 2023 winner got a cash prize of sh92,500 and a cup with the top 20 amateur golfers benefitting from a total of sh400,000 cash awards at the end of the tournament.
In the second slot three golfers got Sh 40,000 each. They are Godfrey Nsubuga from Mehta golf club, Josphat Rono from Golf Park club and John Lejirma.
The third cash award of Sh19,000 each went to Edge Brain and Sammy Mulama from the capital city, Nairobi.
Record golfers turnout
A total of 78 golfers took part as the organizers of the tournament cut down on the number of players to 48 to compete for the prizes.
Speaking during the colorful ceremony, Mombasa county executive committee member in charge of sports Kenneth Ambani said the government has sent his Lands counterpart Mohammed Hussein Mohammed alias Hamado who was present to address challenges which have been facing their golf course for decades.
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He assured the golfers the county government will support the ladies’ tournament which gets under way during the coming weekend.
“The ladies version of the tournament will be held at the same venue on the first week of next month,” he pointed out.
“The county government will give support to the next tournament like the one given to the just ended men’s tournament,” he said.
The club captain James Gitonga described the just concluded three day tournament as a success with the focus now being on the ladies tournament.
He added the windstorm is what defines the annual open tournament which has attracted players from the East African region.
Karanga told journalists he was being honoured for breaking the port city’s course record and that he was proud for setting a new record at end of the three day event.
He acknowledge that Lejirma John from Nairobi was a worthy competitor during the tournament who kept him on his toes all along.
“The weather condition during the day was good and the course is among the best courses one can score,” he pointed out.