Caleb Mule’s five year wait for a maiden title ended at the weekend with victory during the Nation Media Group (NMG) sponsored Golf Challenge.
Playing off handicap 27, Machakos Golf Club’s Mule, commonly known by his golf peers as “Popote Wireless’’ because of his haphazard mode of play, carded an impressive 39 points to clinch the overall prize after beating a field of 95 golfers.
“I have been waiting for this moment for the past five years. My golf, admittedly, has been very bad. I have been practising for some months and playing regularly. Today, I had a good team and I believe that is the reason why I played well,’’ said Mule.
He combined 21 and 18 points, to beat Cleophas Makau (17, 20), David Mwangangi (18, 19), Alex Maingi and Dee Kivuva by two points.
Makau, playing off 13 handicap, took the second prize as Mwangangi bagged the third prize. Jackson Nzioki, playing off handicap five, took the gross prize while Tito Musyoka and Larry Wambua emerged the first and second nine winners on 19 and 20 points respectively. Lady captain Veronica Kona posted 36 points to clinch the ladies prize.
In the guests’ category, Safaricom’s Tony Tugee carded 19 points in each nine for 38 points to beat Cyllus Onyango (19, 19) on count back.
Speaking during the prize giving ceremony, Nation Media’s head of corporate communications and regulatory affairs Clifford Machoka thanked Machakos golfers for their continued support to the company and the tournament.
“The Nation has been partnering with Machakos Golf Club for many years. As a company, we would continue supporting the club as long as you continue giving us your support by advertising and use our various platforms,’’ said Machoka.
“There has been a lot of improvement in this club since the last time we had an event here. We will, therefore, consider coming back next year,’’ he added.
Club chairman Collins Kaloki said the Nation Golf Challenge remains one of the popular events in Machakos.
“We are truly grateful for having been considered as one of the venues for this year’s Nation Series,’’ said Kaloki.
On Friday, the Nation Media Group contributed text books worth Sh250,000 through Leon Foundation to Mangina Primary School in Kitui County. Over 20 NMG staff attended the function.
NMG Corporate Affairs Manager Nancy Kihenia Ngeywa said: “We thank Leon Foundation for informing us about the school’s condition. We sincerely hope the books will help the children improve their academic performance.”
“We, hereby promise to work together with others like Leon Foundation to help such institutions like Mangina Primary,’’ she concluded.