Standard Group PLC Golf: Patel, Kiprono Hopeful To Reclaim Title
Former champion Wesley Kiprono (second left) with former Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos (second right) after their flight completed the first nine. PHOTO/COURTESY
ELDORET, Kenya– Ladies and Gentlemen, the place to be today is the par 71 Eldoret Golf because the Standard County Golf Classic Series is on fire.
Two former champions, Anika Patel and Wilson Kiprono are up against each other as they battle for glory in the sustainability tournament whose theme is ‘On the Green Course, for the Green Cause’.
The batch comprising Phillip Meli, Nicholas Amayo and John Tanui was at the tee-box at 6:50 am.
They were followed ten minutes later by Patel and her prolific group composed of Susan Tolgos, Kimtai Some and Caroline Koech.
Defending champion Anika Patel (in red) who is hopeful to win the tournament for a third time. PHOTO/COURTESY
“I started serious practice on the course on Monday. I have not played golf very well this season because of my engaging studies, but I’m hopeful for victory,” Patel, who is looking for a third victory in the tournament after her 2014 and 2022 feats, told Standard Sports.
“Apart from practicing on the course, I went to the gym to look for mental strength ahead of the competition,” the 28-year-old handicap 18 player added.
Kiprono teed-off at 7:40 am alongside Amos Buttit, Cyrus Kataron and former Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos.
“I can’t wait to reclaim my title, the trophy has been elusive for the last two years., but now I have worked on myself, I feel I’m capable of achieving my vision this weekend,” said Kiprono who lifted the event in 2021.
“I still have the beautiful golf bag that I won in this tournament. It has now grown old, I need to replace it and there is no way better to do it than clinching victory today,” the 41-year-old father of three added.
Kiprono headed to the tournament buoyed with two recent wins, raked at the Musketeer Golf Championship and at the KCB East Africa Golf Tour Series, held at the club.
Former world half marathon champion and double Boston Marathon winner Moses Tanui started to comb the fairways at 11:20am where he was paired alongside club pro Andrew Chelogoi, Thomas Mwogi and faith Chemutai.
“I always play this tournament to give organisers and their partners the moral support needed since this championship is for a noble cause, my participation is also meant to inspire other upcoming golfers into the series.” Chelogoi told Standard Sports in the last edition.
Former club captain Nathan Tororei started his title hunt at 11:40am where he was grouped with Wilson Sugut, Silas Maiyo and Gilbert Koech in a fourball that was expected to be a thrilling affair.
Current club skipper Paul Mwangi was scheduled in the afternoon batch that teedoff at 12:20 pm that has Lukas Cheserek, Michael Rotich and George Njoroge on tow.
Mwangi expressed his desire to win the competition saying: “I’m looking forward to a good round of golf in this event, if not to win it. As home players, we expect a stiff battle from over 120 golfers drawn from Nairobi, Kitale, Nandi Bears, Njoro, Kericho, Kisumu and Kakamega.
“I want to tell the visitors that they are highly welcomed at our club. They should prepare to enjoy the course that is in good shape after the recent rains that has left it lush. The fairways are very green and exciting to play on.”
UTILITIES
Tournament partners
1.Eka Hotel Eldoret
2.Eldoret Hospital
3.Eldoret Club
4.Eldoret Technical Training Institute.
