Mike Karanga survived a nervous final round performance to claim the Muthaiga Open title after carding seven under gross in the 54-hole Kenya Amateur Golf Championship, KAGC, event.
Despite starting the final round five shots ahead of the pack, Karanga momentarily lost the lead to John Lejirma after a poor start that saw the Kiambu Golf Club player bogey the first three holes. Lejirma seized the lead on the fifth hole after registering three birdies- no.3, no.4 and no.5- as Karanga dropped another shot on no.5. The Railway Golf Club player clung on to the two shot advantage till the end of the front nine. Karanga restored parity on no. 13 after birdieing the 10th, 12th and 13th holes despite dropping a shot on no.11.
Lejirma, who shot two under 69 today, lost the race after dropping a shot on no.15 as Karanga parred the remaining holes to claim his third KAGC title this year despite carding two over 73 today. Karanga who missed the chance to play at this year’s Magical Kenya Open almost equaled the Muthaiga course record yesterday after posting a brilliant eight under 63.
Karanga, the Sigona Bowl and Windsor Classic champion, took home Kshs 115,600 while second placed Lejirma who finished with a gross score of -6 pocketed Kshs 69,400. Home player Jay Sandhu finished third on -2 and was rewarded with Kshs 46,200.
A record 208 players entered the event. The KAGC series moves to Thika for the Winston Churchill Cup.
MUTHAIGA OPEN LEADERBOARD
M Karanga -7
J Lejirma -6
J Sandhu -2
N Kibugu +1
J Cwinyaai +3
N Chandaria +7
S Kiaro +8
S Mulama +8
D Maara +10
J Gitonga +11
