March 19, 2024

Safaricom Golf: Kitale’s Sorobea Carded 40 Points, Clinches Title 

Safaricom Golf Tour Kitale edition overall winner Elly Sorobea makes a perfect swing at Kitale Golf Club during the Tenth leg of Safaricom Golf Tour.(Photo By The COAST Reporter)

By The COAST Reporter

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kitale’s Elly Sorobea was named the overall winner of the tenth leg in a colourful Safaricom Golf Tour event that took place on Sunday June 12 at the par 73 Kitale Golf Club course.

Playing off handicap 20, the 62-year-old former club captain Sorobea bogeyed several holes in the opening nine where he managed to score 17 points.

However at the back nine, he doubled his effort and produced an impressive 23 points courtesy of a birdie at hole 15 to claim the overall title with a total of 40 stableford points.

The event attracted a field of 133 players with the majority coming from South Rift, North Rift, Nyanza, and Western Clubs.

Mr Elly Sorobea said: “I want to thank Safaricom for according to us such a wonderful tournament. This is the first time we have had such a tournament with a big turnout. The course today was really good and I enjoyed playing with my fourball.”

Safaricom Golf Tour Kitale edition overall winner Elly Sorobea pose for a photo with the trophy during the Safaricom Golf Tour Kitale edition, held at Kitale Golf Club, Trans Nzoia County. (Photo/By The COAST Reporter)

He however acknowledged he had challenges on chipping in his first nine.

“My second was much better but that enabled me to win the tournament on countback. I will need to work on my cheeping and practice more as I prepare to compete in the grand finale,” said Mr Sorobea, overall winner.

He now joins other winners of the past nine events of the tour to battle it out in the grand finale at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County in August.

Meanwhile, it was also a great day for Nandi Bears golfers with junior golfer Zaddock Tanui producing an impressive 40 points to clinch the men’s category ahead of Jonah Kosgei with similar points.

Lydia Jebichii, the winner of the fourth leg of the tour and Dr Kimeli Mutai, both from Nandi, also dominated to claim the Longest Drive Ladies and Men’s titles respectively.

Gracemary Karira also posted 40 points to claim the top spot in the Ladies’ category, ahead of Philis Kisuna with also 40 points.

Posting the best first nine score was Philip Shiharsy on 20 points, while the best second nine award was claimed by Elizabeth Akinyi on 21 points. 

Senior Manager SME Safaricom plc Charles Munyororo(L) and Kitale Golf Club Chairman Rtd Major Reuben Simiyu awards Mr. Elly Sorobea ,the overall winner of Tenth leg of Safaricom Golf Tour,  held at Kitale Golf Club, Trans Nzoia County. (Photo By The COAST Reporter)

In the subsidiary section, the Safaricom Staff winner title was claimed by Emmanuel Cheruiyot on 33 points while the Guest award was taken by Risper Baraza after posting 25 points.

Meanwhile, the Kitale tournament has attracted over 50 juniors taking part in the juniors’ tournament today, Sunday 12th June, with over 60 aspiring juniors attending the golf clinics at the same facility.

The event culminates in the caddie’s tournament on Monday 13th June. The caddie’s tournament speaks to what Safaricom set out to achieve at the onset of this series, which to give all those interested in golf a chance to participate in the tournament. The caddie’s tournament has attracted over 150 participants from across the country.

The action now takes a short break and will resume on 9th July with the eleventh leg to be held in Nakuru.

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