Professionals to Grace 2nd Kenya Amateur Golf Championships
By Tobby Otum
The second Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) series kicks off this weekend at the Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club in Nairobi.
For the first time in the history of the championship professional golfers will be participating in the event in addition to lady golfers who have been admitted to the KAGC events.
Tournament director who is Kenya Golf Union [KGU] vice chairman Philip Ochola has confirmed this through a press release to the media.
He however stated that the professionals will compete for a different prize purse.
“The Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) Chairman, C.J Wangai is upbeat about having more playing opportunities,” he pointed out.
Ochola added he believes the opportunity will go a long way in improving the standards and quality of the game of golf in the country.
The tournament director said the Windsor Classic, run under the new R&A rules, will see a participating amateur win cash prizes limited to a maximum of $1000 per event.
Ochola said in his press release the cash prizes is courtesy of the event’s sponsor, Glenlivet, and a cash purse of Ksh 500,000 has been set aside for the top 20 amateurs based on the results over three days of 18 holes each.
He added a cut for the top 48 amateurs and the top 12 professionals will be applied after two rounds.
“Leading the pack at Windsor Classic is the reigning Sigona Bowl Champion Michael Karanga from Kiambu Golf Club who won the event three weeks ago with a final round of 10 under par setting the current course record at Sigona Golf Club,” he pointed out.
The Kenya Golf Union vice chairman told the media Karanga expects a tough battle from John Lejirma of Kenya Railway golf club, who has also been in great form. Naomi Wafula, Joyce Wanjiru, and Channelle Wangari will also be battling for the top positions.
On his part, the Captain of Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, Simo Dubajic, is delighted to host the high calibre championship at a time when the course is at its best condition.
He disclosed they have also opened the gates to other golfers and fans who wish to cheer their favourite players.
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