Eldoret golf club captain Mathew Koech has predicted a tough encounter at the weekend’s Manchester Salver, which is part of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships series at the par 71 Eldoret golf club.
The three day event that tees off on Friday morning will run until Sunday with the winner pocketing kshs 120,000 in the 54 hole tournament.
Koech, who took the reign of the club captaincy in April said that they have put all the measures in place to ensure that the tournament is a success.
“We are progressing well with the arrangements which are in top gear to set the course ready for the top amateurs to grace our signature event,” said Koech.
He said that being a big event for the club, they have to ensure that the course and all other measures are in place for the smooth running of the tournament that has attracted many amateurs from across the country, including Ugandans.
“The players should expect a nice course, well setup but with fast fairways and greens. It will be a challenge stopping the ball,” said Koech.
The tournament, which requires handicaps 18 and below to compete, was reduced to 17 following a big turnout on the nine hole course.
“Expect fast greens on the course among other enjoyable scenes while playing,” said Koech.
According to the draw released on Wednesday evening, home player Kenneth Serem will be at the tee first alongside Kitale captain Fandi Shiyukah and Vipingo’s Naomi Wafula.
The second flight will consist of Kitale’s Philip Shiharsy, Golf Park’s Nicholas Michino and Eldoret’s Patrick Kiprop.
Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Western representative Julius Oketch will lead kakamega players like Cedrick Konzolo and Ong’alo Kimani in the battle for the crown.
Also in the mix is former champion Simon karari from Limuru and in the absence of defending champion Michael Alunga, a new champion will be born.