Karanga the man to beat as amateur season tees off at Sigona

The chase for cash and points towards the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series and World Amateur Rankings is on this weekend at Sigona Golf Club course.

A field of 156 leading amateur golfers from across East Africa will be gathering at the par 72 course, the season opener- the 65^th Sigona Bowl whose opening round gets underway from 6.40am on Friday.

Coming just two days after the official launch of both KAGC and Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) calendar of events, this year’s tournament like in most of the 2023 season has also attracted lady golfers who will battling it out for the cash plus World Ranking points.

All eyes will however be on Kenya’s leading amateur golfer Michael Karanga who took the local golf scene by storm last year, registering 13 victories including the three major titles, the Kenya Amateur Match Play, Kenya Amateur Stroke Play and the “Golfer of The Year’’ Award.

And his successful journey begun at the same venue last January where he produced unbeatable 10 under per 62 in the final round to claim the title.

He went on later to claim the Windsor Classic, Muthaiga Open, Railway Invitational, Coronation Trophy, Limuru Open, Coast Open, Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship, Vasco Dagama Malindi Open, Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Championship, Kabete Open, Karen Challenge, and Manchester Salver.

Of the other events he did not win, he tied for sixth in the Winston Churchill, tied for fifth in Ronald Marshall in Njoro, came fifth in Nandi Open, and third and second place in Kiambu and Nyali Open.

Whether Karanga is still in that great form, time will tell, but based on his performance last year, he is definitely the man the rest will have to beat this weekend and in the rest of the 2024 events.

Among the players drawn and who are likely to take Karanga head-on includes Kenya Railway Golf Club’s John Lejirmah, Vet Lab Sports Club’s Ebill Omollo and Isaac Makokha, Limuru’s Dennis Maara and Paul Muchangi, and Uganda’s Peter Tumussime and Felix Dusabe of Rwanda.

“I am ready for the rest this weekend as my target is to be number one again this year. The course at Sigona is in great condition and I am looking forward to enjoy during the weekend," said Karanga on Thursday.

Joining the men for the Sigona battle includes some of the country’s leading lady players Joyce Wanjiru, Belinda Wanjiru, Kellie Gachaga, and Tanzania’s leading lady golfer Madina Iddy.

Away from Sigona, Kiambu Golf Club will host the 15^th edition of the annual Mountain Classic being sponsored this year by Omega Opticians, Jambopay, and friends of the “Mountain Tigers’’ who have been staging this event for the past 15 years.

A field of 120 players were drawn including Dr Paul Kaumbutho who incidentally is one of the sponsors this weekend.

During last weekend’s Michael Karanga Thanksgiving event, Kaumbutho lost to Mwangi wa Purity on countback with 38 points. He leads the Mountain Tigers which includes past Kiambu Club Chairman Njeru Njagi, and Larry Njue among others.

Meanwhile, Karen Country Club will Friday host the Rotary Club of Nairobi Karengata annual charity event. This is the fourth event being staged at Karen where the funds collected will go towards the construction of classrooms at Kaptulwo Primary School in Kuresoi South Nakuru County.

The Rotary Club has so far constructed two classrooms equipped with desks and its target this year is to construct, which will leave two more to be done.

At the Thika Greens Golf Resort, a huge field of over 200 players was drawn for the Captain’s (Henry Kinyua) which is being supported by a host of sponsors including Kingdom Bank, Yara East Africa, Smba Corp, EABL, Elgon Kenya and Corporate Masters among many others.

Weekend golf fixtures

Sigona

Friday: Sigona Bowl sponsored by NCBA; 6:40, G. Sehmi, S. Majanga, B. Murimi; 6:50 J. Kamenchu, M. Patel, P. Munyi; 7:00 J. Ojowa, Z. Khan, E. Muigua; 7:10 K. Barasa, M. Muritu, A. Odongo; 7:20 C. Lwenyi, N. Markham, D. Makori; 7:30 D. Kioko, D. Barasa, R. Odero; 7:40 J. Koina, D. Chesumei, D. Chelogoi; 7:50 G. Eshuchi, J. Mburu, E. Muriithi; 8:00 T. Soni, G. Karioki, P. Macharia; 8:10 N. Kungu, F. Njoroge, N. Wairimu; 08:20 B. Wachiuri, J. Wanjiru, T. Ngotho; 8:30 P. Ndungu, J. Timbe, J. Olwali; 8:40 Y. Rajput, A. Mohindra, J. Lejirma; 6:40 W. Mastamet, G. Kaguta, N. Koech; 6:50 C. Owuor , M. Maina, D. Ombisi; 7:00 S. Harish, J. Ochieng, S. Kimutai; 7:10 V. Oyango, S. King’ori, J. Mario; 7:20 S. Orinda, J. Ngondo, J. Dhanani; 7:30 I. Makokha, P. Tumusiime, G. Barasa; 7:40 J. Mwangi, W. Ali, M. Thacker; 7:50 P. Waiharo, N. Maina, M. Iddy; 8:00 E. Omollo, K. Muraya, S. Etaan; 8:10 H. Tayebjee, H. Kamau, J. Gathumbi; 8:20 K. Abdul, K. Kimutai, D. Kiragu; 8:30 G. Butich, G. Wakaba, J. Rono; 8:40 G. Mburu, L. Njoroge, J. Njenga; 11:10 C. Wambasi, E. Barno, N. Michino; 11:20 Z. Mughal, J. Mwangi, A. Kitur; 11:30 G. Opiyo, P. Ichangi, J. Gathu; 11:40 J. Gaitho, J. Kariuki, E. Murunga; 11:50 D. Evans, E. Wamukota, R. Chege; 12:00 A. Merali, N. Jogoo, R. Nyanchoga; 12:10 R. Kibugi, B. Ngugi, R. Gichuki; 12:20 C. Andrea, P. Muchangi, D. Ronoh; 12:30 M. Kimemia, F. Munyuah, R. Ngetich; 12:40 K. Tanna, W. John, M. Karanga; 12:50 F. Kahiro, D. Maara, F. Kipyator; 13:00 B. Wanjiru, B. Omondi, A. Onsomu; 13:10 D. Gakuo, J. Ikanyi, E. Ageng'o; 11:10 P. Sehmi, K. Sharma, K. Gachaga; 11:20 D. Shah, K. Mediratta, N. Chandaria; 11:30 S. Matharu, R. Leming'ani, P. Kahura; 11:40 W. Kibet, D. Wanjihia, J. Waweru; 11:50 A. Modi, M. Adan, D. Gitonga; 12:00 D. Oyier, R. Malde, M. Holland; 12:10 K. Gatiramu, F. Dusabe, J. Mwangi; 12:20 A. Mussaji, R. Njoroge, F. Ngaru; 12:30 S. Mulama, N. Patrick, A. Muhoro; 12:40 A. Isanzu, P. Musimba, K. Mutai; 12:50 E. Kimani, S. Mughal, J. Nyandoro; 13:00 E. Kinisu, W. Odeck, A. Omooria; 13:10 T. Chirchir, K. Juma, F. Kimani;

Ruiru

Saturday: End of January Golf Day; First Tee: 6:30 Kaunda J, A K Wainaina, J Mureithi, S Mwitari; 6:40 C Maina, J Thomas, F Kamau, G Wachira; 6:50 T John, Jefferson K, S Kungu, P Kungu ; 7:00 C Ndegwa, N Gitonga, S Irungu, G Ndungu ; 7:10 Sponsor x 4 ; 7:20 Ano, S Kingara, B Ndumu, J Gicheru; 7:30 G N Njuguna, B Omondi, M Ngina ; 7:40 Kiambu x 4 ; 7:50 D Muiruri, J Wachira, S Wainaina, A Kimani ;8:00 M Mwangi, I Githinji, P Njeru, N Kingori ;  8:10 F Kinyanjui, G Njuguna, A Mwaura, P Kamau; 8:20 J Gitau, M Irungu, H Maina, A Kariuki; 8:30 H Muhia, M Kimemia, D Kiriga, Sponsor ; 8;40 Captain x 4 ; 10:40 Captain X 4 ; 10:50 C Gitonga, E Njagi, E Waithaka, P Wanjiru ;11;00 J Waihenya, E Kabugi, J Mathu, P Gitumbi ; 11:10 Sponsor x 4;11:20 Sponsor x 4; 11:30 J Kambo, M Kenji, G Gichohi, B Waweru ;11:40 P Miitii, L Nganga, N Nganga, J Ngugi ; 11:50 W Njenga, Eng J Mwaniki, S G Njuguna, J Kamiri; 12:00 M Muthee, E Kamau, S Nganga, J Maina ; 12:10 M Nyambura, D Kamau, T Kiiru, B Kimani ; 12:20 Sammy M, Sponsor x 3 ; 12:30 P Mburu, P kigwe, C Wambui ; 12:40 Kanyi G, D Githinji, D Muita, J Mungai; 12:50 P M Mwangi, Njonjo, G Maurice, T Ruhiu; 13:00 J Kanari, E Kariuki, C Gitonga, M Kibera; Tenth Tee: 6:30 G Wachira, S Mbochi, T Kiragu, J Wambugu ; 6:40 A Maina, C Maina, C Njeru, W Theuri ; 6:50 C Njoroge, G Ndungu, Ano ; 7:00 A Kariuki, G Gacheru, D Gateru, D Ngugi ; 7:10 Sponsor x 4 ; 7:20 Sponsor 4 ; 7:30 J Njeru, E Wainaina, L Gicheru 7:40 M Waititu, D Kabera, B Kanyi, E Njau ; 7:50 A Mwangi, B Waititu, J Mbugua, A Kamau ; 8:00 K Kimathi, B Mugo, J Ndungu, A Muthigani ; 8:10 E Njau, P Kamau, E Maina, A Ngugi ; 8:20 R Kithuka, C Wakaro, B Kanyi, Brig Mohamed; 8:30 A Muigai, L Njuguna, V Pandya, E Koech; 8:40 J Mburu, C Munyiri, P Githuku, F Mwangi ; 10:30  Sponsor x 4; 10:40 Sponsor x 4;  10:50 Captain x 4; 11:00 M Kariuki, R Kithuka, Brig Mohamed, Fr Gaitho, Fr J Mungai ;  ; 11:10 W Karume, P Mbugua, F kiamba, B Mulindi ;11:20 Z safari, M Wanjohi,  M Kinyua, H Thuku; 11:30 J Muguongo, Sponsor x 3 ; 11:40 E Muriithi, Sponsor x 4 ; 11:50 S Mwaura, D Gitonga, M Karunga, T Kiragu ; 12:00 S Mbinda, D warui, E Okiddy, M Mwiti ; 12:10 L Wachira, D Kibui, M Kairu, M Karimi ; 12:20  P Ngunjiri, A Gitu, Fr P Kimani, M Karunga ; 12:30 J Kilonzo, Dr P Murumba, D Mukei, W Kamau ; 12:40 A Machocho, A K Ndungu, K Wangondu, D Waruinge; 12:50 C Njoroge, F Kiambi, C Karanja, E Gathu ; 13:00 A Wamahia, M Wahome, W Ngechu, D Wainaina.

Machakos

Saturday; January Monthly Mug sponsored by Alphonce Kioko and Jackson Kitulu; 7:00 J.Komu, F.Maithya, M.Litali, S.Kimatu; 7:10 F.Kiamba, J.Kiiti, M.Mandela, J.Muenda; 7:20 F.Muthiani, A.Gathugu, A.Gitu, C.Katiwa; 7:30 J.Mativo, M.Mwai, N.Mwangangi, V.Kibiro; 7:40 W.Musili, A.Mohamed, J.Njogu, B.Mutua; 7:50 F.Bosire, L.Njeri, DK.Muli, J.Kilinda; 8:00 N.Mwaniki, R.Muli, N.Musau, J.Nzioka; 8:10 F.Muthoni, S.Wanjohi, L.Mwema, L.Loko; 8:20 M.Makau, J.Mboya, B.Siro, E.Kimeu; 8:30 S.Musyoka, J.Kioko, N.Masaka, B.Mumo; 8:40 K.Maingi, P.Muema, J.Kimeu, S.Kimilu; 8:50 LM.Kamba, J.Nzioki, Maj Mumo, J.Ndunda; Pm Draw; 11:00 J.Masai,J.Foro, J.Kavivya, J.Mangu; 11:10 C.Kaloki, M.Katuku, B.Chuma, P.Mutinga; 11:20 J.Nzau, Gen.Musomba, J.Malatu, M.Kavita; 11:30 H.Ndaiga, J.Wanjohi, H.Kagwa, L.Agufa; 11:40 D.Mwangangi, A.Kioko, SK.Theuri, B.Muithya; 11:50 J.Kilinda, J.Ndunda, C.Ndumai, J.Musomba; 12:00 M.Musyoka, A.Abere, E.Saluny, S.Munguti; 12:10 B.Mungata, S.Singh, F.Njeru, Pro.Kiondo; Post Entries Accepted;

Thika Greens

Saturday; The Captains Prize- Henry Kinyua, Sponsored by: Kingdom Bank, Yara East Africa, Simba Corp, Elgon Kenya, Corteva, Amica, Densey Tours & Travels, Corporate Masters, EABL, Friends of the Captain; 6.24 P Ndichu, R Isaaka, W Biwot, W Njuguna; 6.32 C Karanja x4; 6.40 W Kimondo, A Kimondo, Ano x2; 6.48 Dr P Ngugi, L Ngugi, M Wanyoike, Ano; 6.56 Fr N Kamau x2, D Kingi x2; 7.04 M Ruo, W Njenga, N Zioka, A Mwebi; 7.12 P Njuguna, C Mwangi, C Maitho, Ano; 7.20 Corteva x4; 7.28 Cpt Machakos x4; 7.36 S Mwitari x4; 7.44 G Cheruiyot, K Sawe, G Kiprop, M Korir; 7.50 K Maiyo, O Saina, R Komen, I Kagongo; 7.58 M Irungu x4; 8.06 S Kinyor, F Moi, L Mwaura, A Lenaiyara; 8.14 J Sirai, A Kirwa, L Kioko, H Langat, A Kirwa; 8:22 Yara x4; 8:30 H Kinyua, D Ndiang’ui, B Omollo, J Mathenge; 11.14 S Irungu, H Njenga, H Thimba, J Mugo; 11.22 M Mbugua, P Maregwa, A Thiong’o x2; 11.30 Kingdom Bank x4; 11.38 Hon C Kibiru, F Muraya, J Maina, P Mwindi; 11.46 J Gichimu, M Wandere, S Kamau, Eng. Njoroge; 11.54 NSN x4; 12.02 NSN x4; 12.10 F Gikonyo, T Mutei, J Waweru, N Orgut; 12.18 V Ndolovu, J Waweru, D Gitonga, L Oyuga; 12.26 Corteva x4; 12:34 PMM, W Waithaka, J Nderitu, J Mwangi; 12.42 M Mbuthia, G Gakima, F Njehu, L Mwaura; 12.50 NSN x4; 12.58 E Waithaka, N Nguithi, G Njuguna, Ano; 13.06 J Mwanthi x4; 13.14 GG Kamau, J Murigi, J Mbuthia, E Marangu; 13.22 M Kioi, J Kamuyu, J Wanjohi, B Kiprono; 13.30 F Tarus, W Sugut, N Tororei, M Ngibuini; 13.38 M Shako, D Tole, Willy G, S Mwangi;Tenth Tee: 6.32 P.E x4; 6.40 S Kogi, A Kinyanjui, A Wangari, Ano; 6.48 B Sang, J Kagema, A Koech, C Obonyo; 6.56 I Mbugua, J Kamiri, D Ngugi, N Gitonga; 7.04 C Kibanya, A Kanyori x2, Ano; 7.12 V Wanyoike, J Thairu, L Koki, G Muraguri; 7.20 S Mburu, E Chebii, M Kamanu, E Kariuki;7.28 Simba Corp x4 x4; 7.36 S Kagundu, Dr Florence, H Kiburi, A Gicharu; 7.44 J Njogu, S Mwaura, J Wambugu, L Munene; 7.50 J Kahi, K Maina, M Kinyua, E Ndegwa; 7.58 A Gathua, A Dan, J Mwangi, C Makena; 8.06 S Abuje x4; 8.14 J Kuria, C Mugane, C Irungu, B Kariuki; 8.22 P Kerubo, F Liyai, L Mwaniki, R Mwangi; 8.30 J Musyoka, M Kirika, W Mugo, T Mwogi; 11.14 H Hassan, P Karanja, M Kinyua, E Kibiru; 11.22 M Kaharwa x2, J Wang’ombe, M Wangeci; 11.30 C Kazuka, B Oketch, A Mutebi, S Mang’eni; 11.38 Yara x4; 11.46 N Kithae x4;11.54 J Gikonyo, V Mutei, R Kandie, A Kimwatan;12.02 B Tororey, G Karira, J Kimeu, C Nganga;12.10 J Kibosia, J Kayago, P Karoki, E Ngigi;12.18 S Mugo x4; 12.26 A Kabucho x4 ;12.34 Hon M Mukiri x4; 12.42 W Njenga, S Gachunia, Eng J Mwaniki, Dr F Mugambi; 12.50 Kanini Kega, A Munene, P Kimani, F Kibicho; 12.58 G Karuku x4;13.06 A Kimani x4; 13.14 Kingdom Bank x4; 13.22 H Njeru, J Kamande, V Komu x2; 13.30 K Ngengi x4; 13.38 P.E x4.

Kiambu

Saturday; Mountain Classic 15^th Edition sponsored by Omega Opticians and Jambopay; 6:30 V Kuria, J Gitau, B Mureithi, N Mburu; 6:40 Sponsor Guest x 4; 6:50 Sponsors Guest x 4; 7:00 F Gichomo, M Gachugi, FN Ndegwa, P Njuguna; 7:10 JN Kimotho E Ngigi, J Kimani, P Nganga; 7:20 H Chege L Mutua, S Mburu, SM Gathogo; 7:30 DN Muita, JM Kigathi, S Ndichu, JS Gathumbi; 7:40 S Wangai, J Wakahora, P Wakahora, P Githaiga; 7:50  Njoroge, B Kinuthia, B Wamatu, R Ngui; 8:00 N Gachoka,, S Njuguna, JK Biriri, C Mwangi; 8:10 J Muchai, S Gituara, S Kiarie, E Karanu; 8:20 CW Njoroge, CN Kinyanjui, Mattias, Ano; 8:30 V Ndungu, J Maina, N Kamau, A Ngumba. PM 10:50 G Kibe, M Kimemia, SK Macharia, Hon. Njakwe; 11:00 P Kabutha, J Kimani, V Musalia, H Muhia; 11:10 T Katitia, P Njuguna, L Gichimbiri, T Guoko; 11:20 D Nyaga, GK Maurice, T Njuguna, L Njue; 11:30 M Nyangi, C Mugo, K Mwaura, M Nyaga; 11:40 Sponsors Guest x 4; 11:50 J Mwanza, GG Nganga, S Gachie, A Gakere; 12:00 FN Njangi, M Kamau, GG Waburi, Reserved; 12:10 F Mugendi, K Chege, Dr. P Kaumbutho, GW Kuria; 12:20 JT Maina, D Mwaura, E Muigua, G Maara; 12:30 Captain’s Time x 4; 12:40 J Mugane, P Ondieki, C Gitahi, S Muriu; 12:40 Sponsors Guest x 4; 1:00 G Muiruri, AK Mwangi, J Muraguri, J Gitonga; 1:10 K Machiri, PH Waweru, P Kahuho, K Karani; 1:20 L Muteti, J Waihenya, S Kamau, K Nzioka; 1:30 M Karago, S Wainaina, B Kathambi, E Njuguna.