This weekend, the KCB East Africa Golf Tour will be heading to Machakos, where over 100 golfers from Machakos and other clubs will be participating in the 17th leg of the tournament at the Machakos Golf Club.
The event promises to be an exciting and competitive outing, with the top two teams earning a spot in the tour’s grand finale scheduled for December 6.
The tournament will kick off at 6:30 am, with golfers gearing up to their skills on the greens.
The tour has seen impressive performances from players such as Jeff Muthoki, Winston Kirimi, Kevin Kabugi, Ian Kirimi, Gabriel Miungi, captain Anthony Rukwaro, James Warui, and Rama Maulid, who secured their spots in the grand finale after their outstanding display at the Nanyuki leg of the series.
during the KCB Golf Tournament at the KCB East Africa Golf Tour at Limuru Country
Club on Saturday, June 15.
Machakos Golf Club Captain, Stephen Musyoka, praised the course’s excellent condition and expressed gratitude to KCB for continuously choosing their club as a venue for the tournament. The club is looking forward to hosting the event and is eager to witness the crowning of the overall winners.
“ The course is in a good shape and our fairways are wide enough to allow the players to enjoy themselves. I appreciate KCB for always thinking about us in their series, this shows that they believe in our capacity to host a successful tournament. We look forward to Saturday and we cannot wait to see the overall winners.”
Course Review
Machakos Golf Course, situated in the picturesque Machakos County, is nestled against the scenic backdrop of the Machakos Hills.
As golfers prepare for the upcoming weekend tournament, understanding the local conditions and features of the course can significantly enhance their experience and performance.
The Terrain and Course Conditions
The well-crafted 9-hole course offers a unique blend of natural beauty and well-designed golfing challenges. With its lush Indigenous grass and beautiful vistas, the course measures 3,206 yards for men and 2,870 yards for women, all played on a par-36 for the Front 9.
The gentle undulations of the terrain create elevation changes that can affect shot distance, requiring players to be strategic in their club selection. The fairways are generally wide and well-maintained, but players must remain cautious of strategically placed bunkers that can disrupt their play.
In Machakos, the weather typically includes warm temperatures with occasional breezes. As competitors gear up for the tournament, they should be prepared for potential wind changes, particularly in the afternoons. Staying aware of these conditions will help players adjust their strategies and club selections effectively.
Course Transformation
In 2007, the course was transformed from a brown landscape into a vibrant green space. The renovation included replacing the old grass with Bermuda grass, which was specifically cultivated to meet USGA specifications and thrive in the local climate. Thousands of maturing trees now line the wide fairways, enhancing both the beauty and strategic challenges of the playing experience.
Seasonal Play Conditions
A distinctive feature of the course is its seasonal response. In the dry season, firm conditions allow golf balls to run, making players feel like long hitters. However, the arrival of rain can increase the challenge of course length, often leading to higher handicaps. This fluctuation keeps golfers alert, necessitating ongoing adjustments in strategy and club selection.
Scenic Features
A seasonal river gracefully winds through the property, feeding a dam that provides essential irrigation for the greens, tees, and fairways. This scenic feature enhances the course’s natural beauty while playing a vital role in keeping it lush year-round.
The Challenge of Hole 7
The 7th hole is the toughest challenge of the nine-hole course. This par-4 stretches 474 yards with a challenging dogleg right. Golfers must carry 300 yards to clear the corner, then hit a second shot into the wind toward a blind green that slopes away. Large bunkers on either side of the green demand skill and strategy to navigate successfully.
Key Features to Consider
Bunkers and Hazards: The course’s bunkers are positioned to challenge golfers, especially around the greens. Familiarizing oneself with their locations can aid in planning approach shots. Water hazards will also come into play, demanding precision and careful shot placement.
Greens: The greens at Machakos Golf Course are known for their moderate speed and subtle breaks. Competitors should dedicate time to practice putting, as a keen understanding of the greens can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Local Flora: The course is adorned with various indigenous trees and shrubs, which add beauty and impact shot lines. Avoid the thick roughs and play it safe!
KCB’s Sustainability Initiative
In addition to promoting golf, KCB has also integrated sustainability into the series, with tree-planting initiatives being carried out at the various courses visited by the tour. Furthermore, the club producing the overall winners will receive a Ksh 1 million cash prize intended to support their ongoing sustainability initiatives.
winning team members Nicholas Gathuru, Wallace Mwaura, Patrick Kinyanjui, and
Lawrence Njenga at the KCB Golf Tournament award ceremony at Limuru Country Club
on Saturday, June 15.
KCB Group Director of Marketing and Communications, Rosalind Gichuru, expressed enthusiasm about the event, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to promoting the game of golf and providing players an opportunity to excel in the sport.
“This is the second year running we are visiting Machakos Golf Club underscoring our commitment to grow the game from this talent rich region,
“Our involvement in the sport is not only aimed at giving golfers an opportunity to play but also, expanding the game to ensure that everyone enjoys and becomes part of our series. We are looking forward to hosting over 100 top players in an amazing outing,” noted KCB Group Director Marketing and Communications Rosalind Gichuru.
To add further excitement to the competition, KCB has partnered with Beulah City Ltd, a property firm, to offer an apartment valued at Ksh 2.1 million as the hole-in-one prize during the 2024 tour. This generous prize aims to elevate the competitive spirit of the tournament and provide an added incentive for the participating golfers.
