Elvis Muigua secures Winston Churchill Golf title in Thika
Elvis Muigua of Kiambu Golf Club emerged triumphant at the 2024 Winston Churchill golf tournament, held at the par 72 Thika Sports Club course on this past weekend.
Muigua clinched victory of the NCBA Bank sponsored tournament by a single shot over Adel Balala of the Nyali Golf and Country Club and John Lejirmah from Railway, sealing his win with a total of level par 144 over 36 holes.
The 20-year-old Muigua, leading after the first round on Friday, showcased his skill with a two-over-par 74 in the final round, securing Sh92,480 of the prize money. Despite a challenging start with a bogey on the par-five first hole, Muigua displayed composure, carding eight pars on the front nine and seven on the back, with a lone bogey on the 17th. Although missing a birdie opportunity on the 18th, Muigua’s steady performance secured his victory.
Reflecting on his win, Muigua expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am very happy that I managed to finish a shot better despite missing a number of birdies. My golf has improved a great deal since the few tips I got while in South Africa. I am looking forward to the Golf Park Open this coming weekend.”
Balala, who delivered an impressive performance with five birdies and an eagle, finished with a two-under-par 70, while Lejirmah, with four birdies against three bogeys, finished with one-under-par 71 to tie for second place with Balala at over par 145.
“I had a great chance but poor finishing towards the end denied me victory. I will, however, try to work out my game before the next event at Golf Park,” commented Lejirmah, while Balala acknowledged the need to focus on consistency in his game, stating, “I need to go back to my practice session as I believe my game is just fine.”
The two second-place finishers took home Sh46,240 each for their exploits.
Meanwhile, Isaac Makokha and Michael Karanga tied for fourth place, each with a total of two-over-par 146 gross.
During the prize-giving ceremony, Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Chairman, Philip Ochola, praised Thika Sports Club for the exceptional organization of the event despite weather challenges. Ochola also commended referees Watson Burugu and Godwin Karuga for their professionalism in ensuring the smooth running of the tournament and extended gratitude to sponsors NCBA Bank, STIHL, and Shell for their generous support.
“As we bid farewell to the Winston Churchill Golf Tournament, I am thrilled to announce the next event, the Golf Park Open from April 12,” added Ochola, noting the forthcoming KAGC Seniors series featuring the top “Amateur legends” in the country,” he said.
Organized by the Thika Sports Club Tournaments Committee and supported by NCBA Bank as the title sponsor, the tournament attracted 111 top amateurs from Kenya neighboring Uganda who vied for cash prizes and opportunities to earn points in both the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
Also read: Anyien, Bianca lead the way in junior strokeplay championship
‘Are Kenyans safe?’ Martha Karua asks over Ruto’s ‘over taxation’