Home golfers Nelson Koech, captain Isaac Kuto, Kimeli Mutai and Elly Barno are conducting intensive training ahead of the third edition of Nandi Open Shield, the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) series at the par 72 Nandi Bears Golf club.
Koech, who has been consisted in competing for the KAGC points will be seeking to retain his title in won in 2021 before losing to the reigning champion John Lejirma last year.
With the tournament improved to a 54-hole from 36 hole, Koech said he is working hard alongside his club mates on how to shine at home.
Koech, who will accompany his captain Kuto to the International Pairs championships set for November 6th to 10th at the Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort and Bom Sucesso Resort, Portugal. The duo finished second on 46 combined points behind champions Captain of Kericho Ignatius Ng’etich and Joel Chebon who fired 47 combined points during the international pairs grand final qualifiers at Windsor in September.
“We are now training full time for the event. All top amateurs will be here and we are looking forward to dominate at home,” said Koech.
Captain Kuto said that they are expecting over 80 amateurs to tee off come Friday in a three day event that will run to Sunday.
“We shall have a crowded field and we expect the tournament to be extra tough. As home players, we are expecting good results and that is why we are dedicating our good time training,” said Kuto.
On Tuesday, all the players were on the greens sharpening their skills that includes the immediate captain Simeon Chepkwony, Kimeli Mutai and Eldoret’s Aron Kitur.
“In such big tournaments, one has to prepare very well to topple top players. We want to use and capitalize on home advantage to secure top positions,” said Kuto.
Heading into the Nandi Open Shield, Karamga leads with 1213 points ahead of Lejirma’s 572 and Ugandan Godfrey Nsubuga completing the podium on 502.