A four-ball of Joseph Cwinyaai, Kabasweka Peace, Kakito Abdul, and Babirye Martha from Toro and Uganda Golf Clubs overcame last year’s disappointment to emerge as the winners of the 2024 KCB East Africa Golf Tour Grand Finale played at the Sigona Golf Club on Friday.
The team carded a total of 106 Stableford points, beating a field of 230 golfers who had converged from the East Africa region to walk home with the ultimate prize of Kshs. 1 million and booking a slot to play in the 2025 Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MGKLO) in Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County.
Speaking after the win, team captain Joseph Cwinyaai said the victory was the result of preparation and determination. “We were disappointed during the 2023 KCB East Africa Golf Tour after we fell short in the grand finale here in Kenya. We went back, strategised, practised more, and made sure we came back stronger in this year’s competition. This win is a result of teamwork, and we are looking forward to putting more effort into the competitions to come.”
In the runners-up category, a team from Nyanza comprising Jotem Pabari, Preshant Thakar, Ramesh Karia, and Aamit Shah, also scored 106 points but fell short on the countback. Cedrik Konzolo, Jack Songwa, Julius Oketch, and Allan Muhando from Kakamega secured the second runners-up position with a combined score of 104 points.
Individual accolades were equally competitive. Ramadhan Maulid from Nanyuki Golf Club, playing off handicap 17, was named the overall winner after narrowly beating handicap 16 golfer Mickey Simbakwira on countback.
Kabasweka Peace, who played off handicap 1 and was part of the winning team from Uganda, claimed the Lady Winner title with 34 points. In the speciality contests, Kabasweka also bagged the Longest Drive title for ladies, with the men’s honour going to John Lejirima.
Junior golfer Bianca Wanjiru, playing handicap 15, posted 26 points to emerge as the Junior Winner, while staff member handicap 17 Ibrahim Lande claimed victory in his category with 37 points.
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo added a special moment to the event by hitting the nearest-to-the-pin at hole 5, which was designated for the hole-in-one prize. The ultimate reward for the hole-in-one was an apartment worth Kshs. 2.1 million from Beular City remained elusive.
“It has been another exciting tour that we have seen over 3000 golfers take part in, traversing 5 East African countries, over 26 golf courses and 15 counties in Kenya. We appreciate everyone who has come on board to make sure this is a success, and we are looking forward to having a more revamped and bigger event next time.” KCB Group Director Marketing and Communications Rosalind Gichuru noted.
Sustainability was at the core of this golf finale. KCB engaged Africa Collect Textiles, which demonstrated on-site how they recycle gently used clothes into textiles that can be repurposed into meaningful products. Furthermore, Kshs. 1 million that was awarded to the winning team goes towards a sustainability initiative of their choice.