Elgeyo Marakwet deputy Governor Gabriel Lagat registered his maiden win since he started golfing career during Saturday’s Ko-Opertive Wijnbouwers vereniging (KWV) golf tournament at nine hole Eldoret golf club.
Handicap 19 golfer carded a solid 43 stable ford points to emerge victorious, attributing his maiden win to hard work, competent playing mates and good course.
Taking advantage of home course, Lagat started well in the inward nine carding 25 stable ford points to lead in the first.
With his determination, he returned with a poor show of 18 stable ford points to tally his day’s points to 43.
Despite being ousted by County governor Alex Tolgos who is defending his gubernatorial post for another running mate, that did not deter Lagat from progressing in golf career and he says “I have just started playing golf.”
“Today I must say the game was good enough. I have never had such good scores like today,” said Lagat admitting that the course was good and playing in the third flight alongside Erick Rutto and Adarsh Shah.
Even facing the challenges of pins, Lagat superlative determination paid off.
“I had a good start with four pars in a row, two bogies and completing the first nine with other pars which was exceptional for me and my golf career,” said Lagat.
Having finished 5th overall in last week’s Kensalt golf tournament on the same course, Lagat said the win was not a surprise.
“For the last two weeks, I hve been performing well. Am having an upsurge in my games,” added Lagat who moved up from handicap 19 to 15.
Lady winner price went to Jane Koech who carded 38 stable ford points.
Jack Tuwei, for the second time finished second in the tournament. Handicap 08 Tuwei managed 40 points after playing 16 points in the first half and surprising 26 in the second nine.
Handicap 15 Nelson Orgut was third overall losing to Tuwei on count back after playing 18 and 22 points in each nine.
Home golfer Florence Murgor shot a hole in one with 155 yards long. Stacy Cherono and Amu Shah were the winners of straightest drive in women and men prices respectively as nearest to the pin prize went to Neelesh Aggarwal.
First nine prize went to James Waweru with 23 stable ford points while Neleesh Aggarwal returned to the podium for second nine prize.