Elvis Muigua fired a three-round total of 4-under-par (69, 75, 68) 212 to secure a successful title defence of the Winston Churchill Cup at the par-72, Thika Sports Club layout on Sunday.
The Kiambu Golf Club prodigy demonstrated skill and composure throughout the tournament, which was presented by NCBA and co-sponsored by Fidelity Healthguard, Grayson and TSC Management.
Muigua, who had a good run in the last ten events with five top-five podium finishes, solidified his status as a top contender in the local golfing scene.
The tournament attracted some of the best golfers from the region, with a sole lady contender, Naomi Wafula, finishing fifth with 9-over.
Muigua started strong on the first day, where he quickly established a commanding lead and never looked back despite picking five bogeys on the moving day, which stained his score, winding up 3-over-75.
He teed off in the final featured group against seasoned players Dennis Maara and Lee Njoroge.
With a six-stroke lead after the par-three 16th – hole, his tee shot was blocked by a Croton tree dropping 20 yards off the deck from where he made a well-out, and his third shot trickled into the greenside grass bunker from where he exhibited his short game prowess with a well-executed up and down chip for a given bogey save.
On the final stretch, his tee shot was 150 yards to the green. He struck a high ball, which landed on the hazard area and after being given the green light to play it as it lies by the tournament chief referee, Watson Burugu, Muigua made a bump and ran a pitch shot which missed the target from where he made par to seal his victory.
The Kenya Golf Union (KGU) commended the players for their effort and sacrifice after participating in multiple events within a very short period. Its executive, led by the Chairman, David Ndungu, emphasised the importance of maintaining course standards and sportsmanship.
On Muigua’s win, he said, “I don’t think it’s a surprise to anybody that you have won this weekend because you have been showing the signs. It was a matter of time.”
He attributed his stellar performance to lessons gained from the KGU high-performance program, which he credits with significant improvements to the year-round program.
“I experienced some ups and downs, particularly in saving vital putts, which made me drop shots, but thanks to my consistent practice, I maintained high confidence, which played a key part in claiming this win,” said Muigua.
I maintain high confidence, which played a key part in claiming this win,” said Muigua.
