Standard Group PLC Golf: Former World Junior 5000m Bronze Medalist Kataron Triumphs In Eldoret

^{From Right: Former world junior 5000m champion Cyrus Kataron, former Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, former tournament champion Wesley Kiprono and Amos But it during the 2024 Standard County Golf Classic Series at par 71 Eldoret Club on Saturday June 8. PHOTO/ OCHIENG OYUGI}

ELDORET, Kenya– After embracing golf five months ago, former World Junior 5000m men’s bronze medalist Cyrus Kataron can now afford a smile in the gentleman’s sport.

This was after the father of nine fired 39 stableford points to emerge champion in the Standard County Golf Classic Series held at the Eldoret Club at the weekend.

The first ever sweet victory in the game, which saw him floor other 106 contestants to the gong, has taken Kataron,46, over the moon and he cannot keep calm.

“I was introduced to the game by former Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos recently. Tolgos has been like a coach and mentor to me. Following this victory, I can say embracing golf is the best ever decision I made in my life,” Kataron stated.

The former Senior World Cross Country Championship ace attributed his victory at the pristine Eldoret Club on an intense one month preparations he had on the range before embarking on any major contest.

” I hit countless balls on the course to perfect my shots, but what motivated me today was the batch that I had on the course, the group was composed of Tolgos and former tournament winner Wesley Kiprono.

” Because I was slotted among these seasoned players, I was so determined to beat them, and I’m glad it happened.”

The handicap 26-hard hitter says he will continue with the same spirit of practicing to prepare him for other future tournaments as his aim is to nestle more and more accolades in his cabinet.

Just like Tolgos who came with his wife, daughter and son to the tournament, Kataron has plans to introduce his family to the sport in the future saying golf has helped him not only with fitness but to expand his social capital through networking.

When asked his opinion about the Standard County Golf Classic Series, Kataron stated: “It’s a good tournament that is helping to create awareness about environmental conservations, this contest should be held more and more in Eldoret to remind us of the importance of greening our surrounding.”

In his hey-days as an international athlete, Kataron bagged for Kenya bronze in men’s 5000m in Santiago, Chile at the 2000 World Junior Championships, finishing  behind the legendary Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia and his Kenyan compatriot and race winner Gordon Mugi.

Kataron finished fourth at the 2001 Senior World Cross Country Championship in Oostende, Belgium before incessant injuries drove him out of athletics, forcing him to embrace business and farming for a living.

While handing Kataron the winners trophy on Saturday night, Standard Group PLC Editor In Chief Ochieng Rapuro said: “Our partnership in this tournament with other sponsors like the Eka Hotel Eldoret, the Eldoret Hospital, the Eldoret Club and the Eldoret Technical Training Institute go beyond measure.

” We also value staging this competition in Eldoret because we have a lot of support here in terms of audience and customers.

“This year, Eldoret Club will be celebrating 100 years of it’s existence and we are glad to be part of the centenary celebrations, and of course not forgetting Eldoret town that is also on the verge of gaining a city status.”

Eka Hotel Eldoret Head of Sales and Marketing, Bennah Kilwake promised that they will continue to partner with Standard Group PLC for the golf cause as part of their sustainability support.

The tournament sponsors and partners planted trees around hole nine at the Eldoret Club to mark the day and support sustainable actions on climate change.

The weekend showpiece was held under sustainability theme ‘On the Green Course, for the Green Cause’.

Full results

1.Overall Winner: Cyrus Kataron, 39 stableford points 

2.Runners Up: Livingstone Talel, 38

3.Mens Winner: Moses Lepiwen, 37

4.Men’s Runners Up: Anand Lakhani, 36

5.Women’s Winner: Jane Kokech, 36

6.Women’s Runners Up: Hellen Yego, 34

7.Guest Winner: Winnie Misoi, 31

8.First Nine Winner: Gabriel Maiyo, 20

9.Second Nine Winner: Ndiuni Gikonyo, 21

10.Nearest to the Pin Winner: Elisha Kirwa

11.Longest Drive Men: Aaron Kitur

12.Longest Drive Women: Faith Chemutai

14.Best Senior Gentleman: Shanti Shah, 33

15.Best Senior  Lady: Florence Murgor, 27

16.Best Junior: Alpha Sabuki, 23

17. Best Marker: Jude Rotich, 102