Griffins Owino triumphed at the Nyanza Golf Club, securing the Mug of the Month for May with a remarkable net score of 66.
Despite the challenging conditions caused by recent heavy rains and the backflow of the lake, Owino skillfully navigated the greens with determination and finesse.
“The conditions were tough, but I remained focused on my game, taking each shot as it came. The key was staying calm and adapting to the changing course conditions. The heavy rains made the greens unpredictable, but I trusted my training and kept my composure,” said Owino.
Owino’s exceptional performance distinguished him among a competitive field of golfers. The event also celebrated other notable winners in various categories.
In the junior category, Tony Nyambogo emerged victorious with a net score of 65, showcasing his promising talent. Sidney Maina was recognized for his best effort, scoring 17 points, highlighting his perseverance and dedication to the sport.
Dr. Berry Odhiambo won the hidden hole prize, adding a delightful twist to the tournament. D. Chotai demonstrated precision to secure the nearest to pin accolade, while Dr. Rosemary Obara and Joseph Atito showcased power and accuracy to win the longest drive for women and men, respectively.
The sponsor categories witnessed fierce competition. Engineer Ken Nyagaga was the runner-up with a score of 75 net, while Seth Oburu impressed with a winning score of 68 net.
In the guest category, Benjamin Koyier and Jack Songwa secured the runners-up and winner spots with scores of 74 net and 75 net, respectively.
In Division 3, Jackson Ulira triumphed with 37 points, narrowly edging out Daniel Nyerere, who scored 36 points. Division 2 saw Tabitha Ojwang claim the top spot with 73 net, followed by Thomas Odongo with 74 net.
Division 1 witnessed David Omollo and Raju Bayani both score 70 net, with Omollo winning on countback to take the top honor in their division.
The success of the tournament was made possible by the generous support of numerous sponsors, including African Inuka Hospital, Morab Group LTD, Mars Gas Industries, Jajemelo Pizza LTD, Pach Sportswear, Safaricom, Sosa Cottages LTD, Nsekos Kitchen, Sifabe Enterprise, EABL, and Jibu Water.
Their contributions ensured the event ran smoothly and provided a platform for golfers of all levels to showcase their skills.
Dr. Berry Odhiambo, one of the main sponsors of the tournament, emphasized his commitment to the local golfing community.
“We are proud to support the Nyanza Golf Club and sponsor future tournaments. Our goal is to elevate the standards of golf in the region and encourage more participation, especially among the youth. By investing in these events, we aim to nurture talent and bring more recognition to the sport,” said Odhiambo, who has significantly contributed to golf.
Odhiambo further announced that he is working towards sponsoring a larger tournament in the coming months, attracting national golfers to Kisumu and exposing the region to more competitions.
“We want Kisumu to grow. It’s always wise to give back to the community when God blesses you and I will try my best by elevating golf, one of the most vibrant sports, in Kisumu” added Odhiambo.
Nyanza Golf Club captain Tom Odongo expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their generous support and encouraged more corporate entities to join in elevating the club’s stature.
“On behalf of Nyanza Golf Club, I extend heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for their unwavering support. Their contributions play a vital role in the success of our events and the overall development of golf in Kisumu. I urge more corporate partners to help us continue making Nyanza Golf Club a beacon of excellence in the region,” emphasized Odongo.
Tournament chairman James Onyango Odongo added that the tournament celebrated golfers born in May and that many such events would continue until December.
The Nyanza Golf Club continues to be a beacon of golfing excellence in the region, with the Mug of the Month tournament epitomizing the camaraderie and competitive sportsmanship that define the club.
