Faith Ann Chemutai proved unstoppable as she emerged overall winner of the North Rift Ladies Open Golf circuit held across Nandi Bears Club, Kitale Golf Club, and Eldoret Golf Club over the weekend.
Despite a slow start in the opening round at Nandi on Friday, the Eldoret-based golfer staged a remarkable comeback, winning both the Kitale and Eldoret legs on Saturday and Sunday to seal the overall title ahead of next month’s Ladies Royal 54-Hole Championship.
“When I lost the opening leg, I stayed composed in the second and third rounds, where I managed to win both and become the overall champion,” said Chemutai.
At Nandi, Chemutai finished second after posting 83, losing by seven strokes to former Eldoret Lady Captain Esther Chumo, who carded an impressive 76. Home player Lydia Chebichii completed the podium with a score of 84.
Chemutai bounced back strongly in Kitale on Saturday, edging out Chumo by a single stroke after posting 82 against Chumo’s 83. Gracemary Karira from Eldoret finished third with 85.
In the final leg at Eldoret, Chemutai clinched victory on countback after tying on 80 with Sylvia Chelangat. A birdie on the 18th hole, coupled with Chelangat’s bogey, handed her the win.
“That last putt gave me the narrow victory on a busy day. I had to stay composed to secure the birdie,” she added.
Chemutai noted that the victory has boosted her confidence ahead of the upcoming Ladies Royal 54-Hole Championship scheduled for April 10–12.
“This win is a big motivation heading into the 54-hole championship. My success is also thanks to the people behind me, including Eldoret pro Andrew Chelogoi and my playing partner Harry Kip for their guidance, as well as the organizers and sponsors for making these events possible,” she said.