High handicapper Sandra Kabiru produced unbeatable 46 points in a field of 259 players, to lead a clean sweep in the 2023 Nation Classic Golf Series grand finale at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

Playing off handicap 36, Kabiru posted 20 points in the opening which included a scratch at the seventh hole, followed by an impressive 26 points at the back nine, to claim the overall title.

“It was an amazing day thanks to my team-mates who really encouraged me when they realised I was playing well. This is my first major tournament to win, and I must thank the Nation Media Group and its partners for bringing the Nation classic finale here at Royal’’ said Kabiru who managed to catch up with the prize giving ceremony having travelled to Thika for a family function.

For her effort, Kabiru won among other prizes, a ticket to the 2024 Magical Kenya Open Pro-Am, a golf bag, a JamboJet return ticket to any destination in the country, and a voucher for two nights for two at Panari Nairobi’s executive suite.

Taking the men’s title was another home player Michael Watii who carded 44 points to win by two points from EddieMalit and third placed Xie Guangqi both having posted 42 points each.

In the Ladies section, Eunice Kilonzo carded 43 points to win ahead of Kalee Maleli who had posted 42 points. George Mainye from Kisii Sports club emerged the best guest with a score of 42 points while another Kisii player Cecilia Ayienda was second on 37 points.

In the staff category, Duncan Mbuthia posted 34 points to win by one point from Nation Media Group director Louis Otieno who posted 33 points. Otieno who played n the Karen Country Club Chairman’s Prize event before driving to Royal for the classic grand finale. Nation Media Group Chairman Dr Wilfred Kiboro was third on 30 points.

Taking the junior title was Rowny Ngetich playing off handicap nine, who carded 39 points to beat the rest of the more than 10 juniors who played in the event. It was however tough day for the qualifiers from the qualifying events at Nanyuki, Kisii, Kericho, Malindi and Eldoret Golf Clubs. Nanyuki’s Richard Kabugi with 35 was the best among the qualifiers who had travelled to Nairobi for the event.

Speaking during the prize giving ceremony Dr Kiboro paid great tribute to the management of Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Kenya’s oldest course for great improvement of the course and other club facilities.

“The big field of 259 was largely because of how golfers view the club and how the event was organized’’ said Kiboro who said NMG has been supporting the series for all those 38 years because it helps the Nation connect with the people.

“I would urge Kenyan business enterprises to continue supporting us by use our various products, so that we may also continue supporting the series. I must thank all the partners who have been joining us in every event for their great support’’ said Kiboro.

Nation Media Group CEO, Stephen Gitagama, said the series was important to the company because it provides a platform for customer interaction.

“One of the main reasons that we have consistently run the golf series is that it enables us to build stronger stakeholder networks. I cannot understate the importance of these engagements – they enable us to gain insights that focus our products, solutions and even customer service to suit your needs and meet you at different points in your life,” Gitagama said.