This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
On July 21, 2019, the third leg of the 2019 Nation Classic Golf series concluded at the challenging Nyali Golf and Country Club course in Mombasa, Kenya. The event attracted a field of 158 golfers, with 14-year-old Nathan Ngweno emerging as the overall winner.
Ngweno, a grade nine student at Mombasa Academy, played off a handicap of 13 and made nine pars throughout the game. However, it was his birdie at the par-five 11th hole that worked magic for him, as he followed it up with a couple of pars for an impressive back-nine score of 22 points, having started with 18 at the front nine.
Ngweno's victory saw him lower his handicap from 13 to 12, qualifying him to play in the next weekend's Coast Open at the Mombasa Golf Club. He expressed his gratitude to professional golfer Fred Kamau, who had helped him improve his swing and gain the confidence he needed to perform well.
Ngweno also thanked the Nation Media Group (NMG) for supporting golf in the country and the Nyali golf club for supporting junior golfers. He praised the prizes and the course conditions, saying he had a wonderful four-ball and thanked them for giving him a great challenge.
Ngweno's victory was closely contested, with men's winner Liban Roba carding 39 points playing off a handicap of 10. Christine Ockotch, a former Nyali lady chairman, also posted an impressive score of 39 points to claim the ladies' first prize.
Other winners included Mary Kandu, who took second place with a score of 35 points, and John Smith, who won the seniors' prize with a score of 34 points. Kelly Rob won the junior title with a score of 37 points, while Cyllus Onyango emerged as the best guest with 33 points.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, NMG chairman Dr. Wilfred Kiboro emphasized the company's commitment to good journalism and its values of transparency and accountability. He thanked the residents of Mombasa and the Coast region for their continued support of NMG.
Also present during the function was Lamu County deputy governor Abdulhakim Aboud, who expressed his county's willingness to work closely with the Nation Media Group in various development programs.
