Nicholas Odhiambo delivered a stellar performance to emerge as the overall winner of the Captain’s Prize at the Nyanza Golf Club in Kisumu on Saturday.
Competing against a field of over 80 golfers, Odhiambo amassed an impressive 44 points to claim the coveted title in a tournament that brought together golfers from Kakamega, Kericho, Nandi, and Nyanza.
The event served as a farewell to outgoing captain Thomas Odongo, who completed a three-year tenure.
Fresh from winning the Clubnite Prize with 38 points on Wednesday, Odhiambo credited his midweek victory for setting the stage for his triumph in the Captain’s Prize.
“Winning the Clubnite Prize gave me the confidence and motivation to perform even better. It allowed me to warm up for today’s event and focus on delivering my best,” Odhiambo said after his win.
The champion also reflected on the camaraderie and respect he shares with the outgoing captain.
“Captain Odongo has been an incredible leader and mentor. His dedication to the club is something I deeply admire, and it was an honor to win on such a significant day for him and the club,” he added.
The competition also highlighted strong performances across various categories. Cedric Konzolo was the Gross Winner, while David Omollo claimed the Gross Runner-Up position.
Griffins Owino took the Division 1 Winner title, followed by Joseph Atito as runner-up and Paul Otieno in third place. In Division 2, Tabitha Ojwang emerged victorious, with Lilian Kongani and H. Ikohoro finishing as first and second runners-up, respectively.
Ednah Menach secured the Division 3 Winner position, with Vitalis Asewe and Emma Rumo completing the podium.
The Guest Winner category saw Franklin Kiplimo triumph, while Raymond Bii from Kericho was named Guest Winner 1st Runner-Up. Patricia Odima clinched the Seniors Winner title, with Bhupen Shah taking the runner-up spot.
Elvis Mbakaya emerged as the Junior Winner, while Cedric Konzolo and Christine Riaroh claimed the Longest Drive honors for men and ladies, respectively.
Griffins Owino showcased his precision by winning the Nearest to Pin award, and Kevin Lumwanji was recognized for Best Effort.
In addition to the main tournament, the Captain’s-Caddies Competition brought its own share of excitement.
George Ouma claimed the Gross Winner title with an impressive 76 points, while Zeddy Opura and Derrick Obare took second and third positions with 78 and 80 points, respectively.
In the Net Winners category, Tom Ndele and David Otieno tied with 71 net each, while Stephanie Adhiambo was crowned the Lady Winner for her outstanding performance.
The caddies’ competition was a testament to the inclusivity and spirit of the club, offering a platform for caddies to showcase their golfing skills.
Their participation highlighted the growing talent among caddies and underscored the club’s commitment to fostering a deeper sense of community within the sport.
In a significant moment for the Nyanza Golf Club, Griffins Owino, who served as Vice-Captain under Odongo, took over from Odongo after earlier being elected as the new captain.
Owino expressed his gratitude for the lessons learned under Odongo’s leadership and his aspirations for the future.
“Working alongside Captain Odongo has been a tremendous learning experience. His leadership and vision have left a lasting legacy, and I plan to build on his efforts to take the club to even greater heights,” Owino remarked.
Outgoing captain Thomas Odongo, whose tenure was marked by growth and development at the club, reflected on his journey with fondness.
“Nyanza Golf Club is more than just a club to me; it’s a community that I hold dear to my heart. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I look forward to seeing the club continue to thrive under new leadership,” Odongo said.
Odongo awarded all the Nyanza staff team, skilled and unskilled, appreciating them for their good service.
The Captain’s Prize was a fitting farewell to a leader who left an indelible mark on the Nyanza Golf Club. With a new captain at the helm and rising stars like Nicholas Odhiambo shining on the course, the club’s future looks bright.
Winners List – Captain’s Prize at Nyanza Golf Club
Overall Winner: Nicholas Odhiambo
Gross Winner: Cedric Konzolo
Gross Runner-Up: David Omollo
Division 1 Winner: Griffins Owino
Division 1 Runner-Up: Joseph Atito
Division 1 Second Runner-Up: Paul Otieno
Division 2 Winner: Tabitha Ojwang
Division 2 Runner-Up: Lilian Kongani
Division 2 Second Runner-Up: H. Ikohoro
Division 3 Winner: Ednah Menach
Division 3 Runner-Up: Vitalis Asewe
Division 3 Second Runner-Up: Emma Rumo
Guest Winner: Franklin Kiplimo
Guest Runner-Up: Raymond Bii (Kericho)
Seniors Winner: Patricia Odima
Senior Runner-Up: Bhupen Shah
Junior Winner: Elvis Mbakaya
Longest Drive Men: Cedric Konzolo
Longest Drive Lady: Christine Riaroh
Nearest to Pin: Griffins Owino
Best Effort: Kevin Lumwanji