Every season, thousands of golfers across the globe start the year with very lofty dreams to conquer the fairways.

In their bid to look for glory, they engage in various activities that would grant them the needed impressive results on the pitches and the courses spread across the world.

In their preparations for the task ahead, some hit over hundreds balls on the ranges daily, some attend punishing gym sessions, others engage in mental toughness activities while some achieve their needed fitness through diet and nutrition.

Wade Kilburn is one of the golfers whose mission to battle the course this year has come much earlier than expected.

He was all smiles as he fired 78 strokes to emerge the gross winner of the 2025 Liberty Kenya January Mug Golf Tournament held at the par 72 Karen Golf and Country Club in Nairobi at the weekend.

The victory inspired Kilburn who now believes his efforts and preparations in the sport that commence at the start of this month has started to pay off.

“Hard work pays, I now feel even more inspired to win other competitions that are in line this year,” he stated.

Also beating the over 100 players who were in contention for the glittering gongs was 

Tyler Belyon who carded 72 Nett to emerge the junior winner.

Henry Maina posted 70 nett to take the senior trophy home in the category.

The hotly contested Staff category went to Nkoregamba Mwebesa who drilled a solid 76 Nett on the pristine course.

Other players who showcased their skills and talents on the lush fairways were Felix Ochieng, Luke Magambo, and Nelson Ndegwa.

“The January Mug was a celebration of excellence and camaraderie. It commemorated a 46-year partnership between Heritage Insurance and Karen Country Club, emphasizing shared values of camaraderie and community.

“It offered an opportunity to highlight the importance of partnership in building sustainable business communities,” Liberty Kenya CEO Kieran Godden told Standard Sports.