Handicap 34 home player Jesse Kipkorir fired 46 stableford points to floor a large field in the Eldoret Edition of the Standard County Golf Classic at the par 71 Eldoret Club on Saturday.
The 60-year-old environmental professor at the University of Eldoret was rewarded with a two-night stay for two at the scenic Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli, Eka Hotel Eldoret vouchers, and Safaricom gift vouchers for his impressive feat.
“I prepared well for this tournament. I combed the course for one week to familiarise myself with the greens and the fairways. I also worked on a strategy to beat the meandering river in holes 1,3,4, and 5 that proved challenging to the many players that also battled on the course for honours,” Kipkorir told Standard Sports
“I also worked on my mental strength. I ensured my swings, putts, and chips were all aligned ahead of the championship by hitting countless balls on the range. The batch I teed off was hungry for victory, so this is also what propelled me to do better on the course to earn the honours. I’m happy that the fruits of the one-week labour are now visible,” Kipkorir stated.
According to Kipkorir, his victory in the tournament that was themed ‘On the green course, for the green cause’ in support of sustainable actions on climate change, simply means the rest of the 2025 season remains bright for him.
“I’ll keep on pressing hard for the rest of the year, so as to have more medals in my cabinet. Next season, I’ll be here, God willing, to defend this precious title I have been awarded tonight,” he added.
And what next for the professor after his impressive stint in the Standard Group golf championship outing that was also sponsored by partners like Eka Hotel, Safaricom, Eldoret Club, and Stabex International?
“We will have the Lady Captain’s Prize this Saturday. I’m going back to the drawing board to also plot it. I am hungry to lift that trophy too.”
Some of the benefits the golfer says he has gained from playing golf include physical fitness and massive social capital.
By Ochieng Oyugi