Akinyi triumphs as Nyanza Golf Club celebrates January Mug winners

Elizabeth Akinyi dazzled the fairways of Nyanza Golf Club in Kisumu, clinching the coveted January Mug of the Month title after an outstanding performance that saw her post 65 points.

Battling against a field of experienced golfers, Akinyi emerged victorious at the scenic course located on the shores of Lake Victoria, solidifying her status as one of the club’s top golfers.

Speaking after her win, Akinyi attributed her success to a blend of focus and inspiration drawn from the serene atmosphere of the course.

“The picturesque fairways of Nyanza Golf Club always bring out the best in me. The natural beauty and camaraderie among players motivated me to stay focused and give my best performance,” she said with a beaming smile.

The January Mug tournament, hosted by eight members of Nyanza Golf Club born in January, was a celebration of golf, camaraderie, and the spirit of competition.

The organizers included Clifford Agumb, Mittun Patel, Kihoto Njuguna, Tito Omore, Dr Keziah Ouma, Irene Omari, Serah Owuor, and Lilian Kongani. Their efforts ensured the tournament was well-structured, inclusive, and vibrant.

Corporate sponsors played a pivotal role in making the event a success. Shammah Creations, Alhusnain, Kisumu Smiles, Dr. Rakewa Dental, DSTV, Green Wells Energy-Stonefield among others partnered to provide logistical and financial support.

Nyanza Golf Club captain Griffin Owino praised the sponsors for their involvement, emphasizing the importance of corporate partnerships in growing the sport.

“The support from our sponsors is invaluable in improving the quality of tournaments and making golf more accessible. It’s through such collaborations that we can elevate the standards at our club and nurture local talent,” he said.

While Akinyi stole the spotlight, other golfers also delivered remarkable performances in their respective categories. Joseph Atito clinched the Gross Winner’s title with a score of 72 gross, showcasing his precision and consistency throughout the tournament.

In Division A, David Sate claimed the winner’s title with 66 points, narrowly beating runner-up Nish Shah, who posted 67 points. Division B saw Don Riaroh top the leaderboard with 65 points, while Maurice Oduor followed closely with 67 points to secure the runner-up position.

Division C witnessed a competitive showdown, with Jackson Ulira emerging as the winner after scoring 67 points. Mase Nyamasi took the runner-up spot with 70 points.

The Jan-Baby Winner category saw host Kihoto Njuguna excel with a score of 69 points, a testament to his prowess on the course. In the Guest Winner category, Eric M. scored 74 points to earn top honors, while Paul Okieno won the Senior Winner title with a score of 72 points.

The Hidden Hole competition added an element of fun and strategy, with Griffin Owino and Dr. Linah Akello sharing the accolades. S. Misiani and Ameet Shah shone in the 1st Nine and 2nd Nine categories, respectively.

The tournament also recognized special performances. Dr. Lusi Ojuang claimed the Long Drive Man award, while Joyce Osike took the Long Drive Lady title. David Sate was closest to the pin, displaying exceptional accuracy, while Bellice Rabach earned the Best Effort award for her spirited participation.

The success of the January Mug underscores the growing vibrancy of the golf scene at Nyanza Golf Club. With corporate sponsorship and community-driven events like this, the club continues to position itself as a hub for nurturing golfing talent and promoting the sport in the region.

As the tournament concluded, players and organizers reflected on a day of competitive golf, camaraderie, and celebration, setting the stage for more thrilling events in the months to come.