Local boy Oroko wins Nation series
Consistent and regular practice paid off for Nyanza-based golfer Michael Oroko on 22 September, 2018 as he beat a field of 107 golfers at the tough playing Nyanza Golf Club course Kisumu, to claim the top prize in the fourth leg of this year’s Nation Classic golf series.
The handicap 26 Oroko scratched two holes, bogeyed a number of bogeys for 18 and 19 for a total of 37 points to win a golf bag, trophy, a return ticket and a three nights full board accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Diani.
“I am so excited winning the best tournament in the country. I have been very consistent in my game, though it is also my daily practice which has real paid off for me.
“I sincerely thank the Nation Media Group for bringing the Nation Classic back to Nyanza,” said Oroko, who beat Kakamega’s Heronim Ikhohoro by one point, as home player Amrish Patel on 34 points finished third.
In the ladies section, Lydia Oketch posted 34 points to beat Elizabeth Akinyi on countback. Nyali Golf and Country Club’s Charles Odoo topped the guest with a score of 33 points after missing several par and birdie chances.
“It’s a tough course which one must know where to land the ball as the greens are so hard. I believe I would have posted better scores if I was playing on a better course,” said Odoo, who flew all the way from Mombasa for the event
Nation Media Group golf writer Larry Ngala (right) is awarded during the Nation Series tournament at Nyanza Club in Kisumu County on September 22, 2018. Mr Ngala won the Staff prize. PHOTO | TONNY OMONDI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
In second place was former Kenya Ladies Golf Union chairman June Waweru on 29 points. In the staff category, the writer posted 32 points despite a scratching a number of the holes and a string of double-bogeys to win by one point from hot charging George Kihuria.
One of the leading golfers at Nyanza Club, Joseph Atito won the gross title on 33 points, while taking the nines were Dillu Patel and David Omollo on 21 and 19 points.
The event followed others held at Nakuru, Nyahururu, and Mombasa, with the last event set for October 13 at Vet Lab Sports Club.
Speaking during the prize giving ceremony, Nation Media Group chairman Dr Wilfred Kiboro said the company will continue supporting the Nyanza club not just by hosting the Nation Classic, but also in its planning to improve the club facilities.
By Larry Ngala