Michael Kotu of Nandi Bears Golf Club emerged as the Day One leader at the ongoing Kenya Seed Classic Golf Tournament being played at the par-73 Kitale Golf Club with a heifer on offer for the winner.
Kotu carded an impressive 69 nett to take the early lead in the two-day tournament that is being staged to celebrate 70 years of the East Africa-based seed producing company, Kenya Seed Company.
Playing off handicap 12, Kotu finished level with his club captain Isaac Kuto, who also returned 69 nett while playing off handicap 15. However, Kotu took the top spot on countback. Home player John Keter completed the podium positions after posting 70 nett.
Nandi Bears’ Elly Barno, fresh from representing the country at the Africa Amateur Golf Championship in South Africa, claimed the gross title after firing three-over-par 76.
Barno recently featured for the national team alongside golfers including John Lejirma, Elvis Muigua, Adel Balala, Daniel Kiragu, Dennis Maara, Michael Karanga and Josphat Rono.
In the side contests, home player Faith Chemutai and Nickson Kiplagat won the longest drive prizes in the ladies’ and men’s categories respectively. Retired Major Reuben Simiyu claimed the nearest-to-the-pin award, while Leonard Kibet emerged as the staff winner with 74 nett.
Michael Chebii, playing off handicap 21, won the men’s title, while Ann Atieno clinched the ladies’ category. Albert Kigen took home the best effort prize after returning 99 nett.
The tournament concludes on Sunday evening at the Kitale course with the winner driving home a heifer.