Western Captain's League grows as Kericho Golf Club lifts 2024-2025 trophy

After months of intense competition, Kericho Golf Club emerged victorious, accumulating 50 points to finish just ahead of Nandi Bears, who secured second place with 49.18 points.

Kisii Sports Club rounded out the top three with 44 points, while Nyanza Golf Club finished fourth with 41.82 points.

Kakamega Golf Club, though finishing fifth with 28 points, showcased resilience and improvement as the season progressed.

The season-ending event saw trophies and certificates awarded to players and teams, recognizing their efforts and commitment to the competition.

Speaking after the victory, Kericho Golf Club chairman Chris Birgen emphasized the significance of the Western Captain’s League in uniting golfers from across the Nyanza and Western regions.

“This league is more than just about winning and losing. It has played a crucial role in fostering coexistence among clubs, encouraging the sharing of ideas, and ensuring the overall growth of the game in this region. Through this league, we have built lasting friendships, and the competitive spirit continues to elevate the standard of golf,” Birgen said.

The Western Captain’s League, launched last year, has quickly grown in stature, becoming a vital platform for golfers in the region.

League chairman Griffin Owino highlighted the expansion of the competition, announcing that Eldoret Golf Club would be joining in the upcoming 2025 season.

“The growth of this league since its inaugural season has been remarkable. We have witnessed increased participation and higher levels of competition.

“The addition of Eldoret Golf Club for the 2025 season is a testament to our continued expansion. It will bring a new dynamic to the tournament and further solidify the league’s reputation as a premier golfing competition in Western Kenya,” Owino said.

For Kericho Golf Club, the victory was a moment of pride, with club captain Antony Cheruiyot hailing his players’ dedication throughout the season.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in his team’s ability to defend their title when the new season tees off on March 1.

“This victory is a result of teamwork, determination, and resilience. Our players have shown great consistency throughout the campaign, and we are delighted to have secured the title.

“We are looking forward to the next season with excitement, knowing that the challenge will be even tougher with the inclusion of Eldoret Golf Club. However, we are ready to rise to the occasion and defend our crown,” said Cheruiyot.

As preparations for the 2025 season begin, the leadership of each participating club has been confirmed. Kericho Golf Club will be led by captain Antony Cheruiyot, while Nandi Bears Club will have Isack Kuto at the helm.

Kisii Sports Club’s captain for the new season is Adrian Monari, with Nyanza Club being led by Griffin Owino, who also doubles as the league chairman. Kakamega Sports Club will have Ronald Omondi in charge as they seek to improve on their performance next season.

Additionally, club convenors have been tasked with coordinating activities and ensuring seamless organization for the 2025 campaign. Raymond Keter will oversee affairs at Kericho, while Collins Kebenei will be the convenor for Nandi Bears.

Kisii Sports Club’s coordination will be under Andrew Ondimu, with Nyanza Club’s planning led by Ibrahim Stanley Ogejo. Kakamega Sports Club has appointed Julius Oketch to oversee their league operations.

The final day of the season also featured an individual competition, the Sunday Casino, which saw some brilliant performances. Kibet Too emerged as the standout golfer of the day, carding 69 nett to claim the top spot.

He was closely followed by Andrew Nyanusi, who returned a 70 nett, while Sang Kiplangat took third place with a 71 nett finish.

With the 2024-2025 season now wrapped up, attention shifts to the upcoming campaign, which promises even greater excitement and competition. 

The picturesque fairways of Kericho Golf Club provided the perfect backdrop for a season of thrilling golf, and as teams look ahead to 2025, the challenge for supremacy in the Western Captain’s League is set to intensify.

The Western Captain’s League has experienced remarkable growth since its inception, evolving into a highly competitive and well-organized regional golf competition.

What began as an initiative among five clubs—Kericho, Nyanza, Nandi Bears, Kisii, and Kakamega—has now expanded with the inclusion of Eldoret Golf Club for the upcoming 2025 season.

The league has not only increased in size but also in stature, attracting more skilled golfers and elevating the standard of play. The home-and-away matchplay format has fostered intense rivalries and camaraderie among the clubs, strengthening golf’s presence in the Nyanza and Western regions.

With the growing number of participants and heightened competition, the league now seeks to take the next step in its development by securing corporate sponsorship to sustain and enhance its operations.

The 2024-2025 season was entirely funded by the participating clubs and their golfers, a testament to their commitment to growing the game. However, as the league expands, financial backing from sponsors will be crucial in improving event logistics, player incentives, and tournament branding.

Western Captain’s League chairman Griffin Owino emphasized the need for external funding, noting that sponsorship would help elevate the competition’s profile and attract more players.

“We have laid a strong foundation, and now it is time to take the league to the next level. With the right sponsors on board, we can enhance the player experience, introduce more prizes, and even expand our reach beyond the region,” Owino stated.