Paul Muchangi was the surprise winner of the Karen Challenge Trophy in the 11th led of Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) played at par 72 Karen Country club.
The two day event that came to a close on Sunday 3rd ensured that the title heads to Limuru Club for the second time following last year’s win by John Karichu.
Handicap One golfer played three over Gross on the opening day first round and four over Gross in the second round but luck came in handy on the last round on Sunday when he played level to close the 54 hole with seven over 223 Gross.
Despite leading with a single shot on opening day, Nairobi Royal Dennis Saikwa fell on the last day, finishing third while Kenya Railway club’s Alfred Nandwa, who is the national team captain came in second.
The Limuru’s club’s Muchangi sunk two bogeys at the front nine, on holes on third and sixth with a birdie in between (fifth) for level par start. At the back nine, Muchangi started well, picking up two back to back pars, but dropped one shot at the 12th.
This did not however discourage him as he managed to roll in three more pars followed by two back to back birdies at the 16th and 17th.Nandwa, on the other hand, fired three over par 75 for a total of 224 to beat Saikwa on countback.
Saikwa, who had shot one under par 71 for a start, collapsed in the afternoon, returning a poor 80. He made an improvement in yesterday’s closing round with a 73, but it came rather late.
Also dropping from second to a joint fourth was Samuel Njoroge of Railway, who carded a 78 at the end, for a total of 226 to tie with Anthony Kinuthia of Golf Park and Vet Lab’s Isaiah Otuke.
Championships defending champion Karichu posted rounds of 78, 75 and 76 for 229 to tie with youngster Agil Is-Haq who made 76, 77 and 76.
Njoroge took home the prize for round one on 71 and taking the second and third rounds gross were Jay Sandhu (Royal) on 70 and Anthony Kinuthia on 73.