At least 500 golfers are expected at the Ruiru Sports Club from Thursday for what promises to be the biggest captain’s prize tournament in the country.
50 Kenyan top professionals and seeded amateurs are expected to take part in the week-long bonanza to mark the club's 100th anniversary.
Some of the pros who have registered include Samuel Njoroge (Railways), Simon Ngige (Thika), Erick Ooko, Tony Omuli (Golf Park), C J Wangai (Sigona), Sullivan Muthugia (Ruiru), Mike Kisia, Edwin Mundanyi (Vet Lab) and Dismas Indiza ( Mumias).
The amateur list has big names like Mike Karanga (Kiambu), John Lejirma (Railways), Benard Omondi (Ruiru) and Frank Munyua (Ruiru).
Ruiru have lined up a series of golfing activities as captain Jessy Ndegwa marks the end of his first term in office.
On Monday, the Thika Road-based facility hosted 80 caddies from clubs across the larger Nairobi metropolitan region. On Tuesday, there was a curtain-raiser Casino tournament that attracted 130 golfers.
The club will on Thursday field 250 golfers during the Captain’s Club Night, a day that will mark the beginning of a three-day exhibition gala that has so far attracted over 20 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES).
Drawn from various industries including real estate, construction, agriculture, automobile and commerce, the businesses will be showcasing their trade at the fair, themed 'Igniting Kenya’s Economic Engine'.
“We don’t want to do just golf," Ndegwa said. "We also want to play a central role in showcasing the power of MSMEs and giving them a visibility and business platform as our contribution to Kenya’s economic ambitions. We want to tap the linkages which exist between growing the game of golf and business."
On Friday, the club will host professionals and top amateurs in competition while the week will culminate in the Captain’s Prize Tournament on Saturday with 300 golfers expected.
“The course is in good shape despite the adverse weather conditions. We have put together an exciting experience for everyone,” Ndegwa added.
The club will present some of their top players including George Wandera (junior), Kibe Mwangi, Henry Mwaura, Kinyua Muchiri, Ben Okumu, Willy Kagicha, Kimani Munyua, Antony Mwangi and vice captain James Muraguri.
Catherine Kilonzo leads the women's list alongside Susan Mukururi, Atlanta Wamahia and Muthoni Njuguna.
