Amos Cheruiyot from Nandi Bears Golf Club showcased an impressive performance over the weekend to clinch victory at the First Assurance Golf Tournament held at Nyanza Golf Club in Kisumu.
The tournament, which drew over 50 golfers, proved to be a stiff competition, with Cheruiyot emerging as the overall winner after posting 41 points.
Grouped alongside Nyanza Golf Club chairman Tom Odongo, First Assurance Managing Director Stephen Lokonyo, and Peter Nuthu, Cheruiyot capitalized on the friendly rivalry within his flight to maintain focus and deliver a winning round on the rain-affected course.
“Even before we began, the competitive spirit within our group was high, and that definitely pushed me to perform better,” Cheruiyot remarked. “The conditions were challenging due to the ongoing rains, but securing a win under such circumstances makes it even more rewarding.”
In the men’s category, a tightly contested duel between Nyanza Golf Club members Albert Ojonyo and Tito Omore ended with Ojonyo claiming the top spot on countback after both players carded 39 points.
The women’s competition saw Lady Captain Lina Akello take top honors with 38 points, while Rosemary Obara followed closely with 36 points.
Peter Nuthu stood out among the First Assurance staff, earning 31 points to win the staff category. Meanwhile, Safaricom’s Alice Awiti humorously walked away with the ‘Piga Mingi’ title for her spirited participation.
Kakamega Golf Club’s Cedric Konzolo earned recognition for the longest drive among men, with Obara replicating the same feat in the women’s division.
Jack Okuku had the most accurate approach in the nearest-to-the-pin men’s category.
The junior category was equally competitive, with Tony Nyambogo leading the way with 39 points. Clement Ramah secured second place with 37 points, underlining the growing talent base among the youth in the region.
Speaking after the tournament, Lady Captain Dr. Lina Akello expressed her gratitude to First Assurance for their support, particularly on a weekend that coincided with Mother’s Day celebrations.
“Having First Assurance sponsor this event is a major boost, not just to the club but to the entire golfing community in Kisumu,” Akello said.
“We need more corporate sponsors to come on board and support local tournaments. This is how we build a strong golfing culture in our region.”
Nyanza Golf Club captain Griffin Owino echoed the Lady Captain’s sentiments and emphasized the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
“We’re welcoming parents to bring their children to the club,” Owino said. “We’re fortunate to have two professional golfers and a US Kids-certified golf trainer. With their experience, we can develop the next generation of great players.”
First Assurance Managing Director Stephen Lokonyo hailed the event as a resounding success, noting the high level of competition and community engagement witnessed throughout the day.
“This tournament has exceeded our expectations in terms of participation and enthusiasm,” Lokonyo said.
“We’re proud to be part of promoting golf in the region and are committed to supporting similar initiatives in the future. Our goal is to help nurture not just competitive golf but also create a platform for upcoming talent, especially among juniors.”
The tournament not only brought together seasoned players and rising stars but also underscored the importance of partnerships between the corporate world and sports development in Kenya’s counties.
