Sweet victory for veteran at the Karen Safaricom Golf Tour
Sponsored by Safaricom
Don Riaroh.
Veteran Karen golfer Don Riaroh, who has not won any major event for the past two years, eventually managed to find his winning formula to claim the overall victory during the seventh leg of the 14-events Safaricom Golf Tour at the par 72 Karen Country Club course on Friday.
Playing off handicap 22, the 70-year-old Riaroh, who was in his best form, picked up a birdie in the second nine, having made a number of pars earlier, for an impressive 43 points. This won him a slot for the series’ grand finale scheduled for August at Vipingo Ridge, at the coast.
“It was a great round for me, and thanks to my four ball and of course Safaricom for bringing the event here. It was a very organised event. It is amazing to see how the company is supporting young talents and securing the future of golf in the country through junior golf tournaments. I played with a very wonderful team. My win didn’t come as a surprise, as I was here the day before, playing club night in preparation for the tournament,” said Riaroh.
The veteran drew his vast experience from past competitions since he debuted in the sport way back in 1974, to beat a field of 200 players in a very competitive tournament. He joins Alice Awiti, former Nanyuki caddie Cyprian Bundi, Limuru junior golfer Leo Gitonga, Muthaiga’s Zain Manji, Lydia Jebichii, and Simon Kimatu of Machakos, the winners of the other six legs.
Meanwhile, home lady Koki Muia posted 39 points to emerge the lady winner ahead of Pettie Ndolo, who carded 36 points.
But what an amazing day it was for Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, who is also a member of Karen Country Club, as he produced an excellent 40 points to claim the men’s title. He won ahead of Thomas Bisonga, who carded a total of 38 points. Willy Mastamet and Eunice Koome won the longest drive contest. Seth Oburu took home the Safaricom Staff Award after garnering 40 points. He won the nearest to the pin award.
On the other hand, handicap three Paul Kaguamba, one of the top amateurs at Karen, clinched the first nine prize with 20 points, while the second nine award went to Anthony Gacheru with 21 points.
The Karen Tournament marks the halfway stage of the ongoing Safaricom Golf Tour, with seven more legs left before the grand finale at the PGA Baobab Course in Vipingo Ridge.
Meanwhile, Limuru’s nine-year-old Muriithi Gatu and Vet Lab Sports Club-based 12-year-old Rohini Shah won of the seventh leg of the Safaricom Golf Tour junior tournament at Karen.
