Michael Kotu proved unbeatable after outplaying an estimated 150 golfers at the world-class 9-hole, par-72 Nandi Bears Golf Club course, located in the scenic highlands of Nandi Hills in the Rift Valley on Saturday.
Kotu carded an excellent countback score of 41 Stableford points to emerge the overall winner in the 9th edition of the ongoing ICEA LION King of the Course Golf Series, currently being played across the country.
“It has been a brilliant day out there on the course, with all my game plans going as they should. We are also delighted that the tournament was staged here, and I hope everyone enjoyed it,” said Kotu.
Kotu claimed the top position after tying on points with runner-up Vincent Rugut but edged him out on countback.
Irene Booker returned a countback score of 38 points to win the Division 1 prize, tying with runner-up Daniel Muge. Boaz Katah was third with 33 points, while Ian Kigen scored 28 points to take home the Junior prize.
The tournament also featured an additional 30 golfers from Machakos, Thika, Greens, Ruiru, and Nanyuki Golf Clubs. Simon Chepkwony claimed the Nearest to the Pin prize, while Kimeli Mutai and Natalie Metto emerged winners of the Longest Drive in the men’s and ladies’ categories respectively.
This leg followed the resounding success of earlier events held in Machakos, Thika Greens, Ruiru, and Nanyuki.
Following the Nandi Bears leg, all eyes now turn to the Grand Finale, set to take place at Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa on 25th October.
The top winner from each club will compete for the grand prize—an all-expenses-paid trip to participate in the Lekoa Classic 2026 Golf Tournament in South Africa.
Shem Aboge claims long-awaited victory at Nyali Golf Club
Meanwhile, home golfer Shem Aboge finally ended his long struggle for top spot by clinching the lead at the par-71 Nyali Golf and Country Club course in Mombasa County on Saturday.
Playing off a handicap of 24, Aboge returned a score of 40 Stableford points to emerge the overall winner of the Sunset Golfing Society tournament, triumphing over a field of 228 players and registering his maiden victory.
“I have been struggling on this course for quite some time without success. I am thrilled to finally break through, although it was a challenging day on the pristine course, with waterlogged fairways due to recent rain. I believe I’ve now matured in the sport and look forward to better results in upcoming tournaments,” said Aboge.
Club Captain Omar Lewa, playing off handicap 9, was the Sunset Men’s winner with 40 points, while Mombasa Golf Club Chairman Lawrence Odhiambo, playing off handicap 12, was runner-up with a countback score of 39 points.
Handicap 26 Bill Ouko took third place on countback with 37 points, and Portash Oloo, playing off handicap 31, carded 31 points to win the Sunset Senior prize.
Elizabeth Akinyi, playing off handicap 23, was the Sunset Ladies’ winner with 39 points, edging out runner-up Constance Achila (handicap 34) by a single point.
Craig Oyugi (handicap 34) scored 32 points to win Division 1, while Kakir Kakkar (also off 34) returned 38 points to take the Division 2 Sunset Members’ prize.
The Nyali Men’s winner was Eliud Bett (handicap 22) with a countback score of 40 points. Dan Mugambi (handicap 20) claimed the runner-up slot with a countback score of 38 points, tying with third-placed Charles Kariuki (handicap 7).
Mary Kandu, playing off handicap 8, won the Nyali Ladies’ prize on a countback score of 36 points, tying with runner-up Terry Odoo (handicap 15).
The Guest Winner’s prize went to Naomi Kikulu of Mombasa Golf Club (handicap 12) with 39 points, while Imani Mugavana (handicap 38) scored 36 points to win the Junior category.
By Maarufu Mohamed
