On Saturday, May 28, 2022, Nicholas Nyambogo, a talented junior golfer, made history by becoming the first winner of the 2022 Nation Classic Golf Series at the Nyanza Golf Club course in Kisumu. The 17-year-old Form Four student at Kisumu Boys High School carded a brilliant 45 points to claim the overall title.
Despite struggling with a double-bogey seven at the par five-fifth hole, Nyambogo recovered with two back-to-back pars at the front nine, earning him 24 points. He then made a slow start at the back nine but managed to close the gap with two back-to-back pars for 21 points.
“I messed up a number of holes because I have not been able to practise regularly due to my studies, but I am very happy to have emerged the overall winner. I will prepare well for the grand finale," said Nyambogo, who started playing golf in 2020.
Amrish Paatel took the men’s title with 36 points, beating James Odongo on countback, while Joan Kanjejo won the Ladies section with 31 points on countback from Lydia Celestine. Dr Dominic Walubengo led the guests with 29 points, and Henry Awuor finished second with 24 points.
The Nyambogo family had a great day as Lucas Nyambogo, a grandson of the senior Nyambogo, carded 41 points to claim the Junior title. Lucas was included in the Nyanza team for the grand finale in November.
Speaking during the prize giving ceremony, NMG group CEO Stephen Gitagama expressed his excitement at seeing golfers from all the clubs in the Nyanza region participating in the event. He noted that the Nation Classic, which has been running for 36 years, is part of the company’s support to the development of the game of golf in the country.
“The Nation Media group has over the years taken a leading role in promoting golf in the country and we will continue do so,’’ he said.
Action in the Classic now shifts to Nakuru Golf Club for the second leg on June 18.
