Dennis Chebitwey won the inaugural Iseme Kamau and Maema Advocates (IKM) and Oxygène golf tournament with an impressive 43 Stableford points at the par-72 Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club.
Playing off handicap 16, Chebitwey edged handicap 23 golfer Yusuf Omari by a single Stableford point after Omari carded 42 points.
The tournament attracted 145 golfers, including leading corporate executives, legal professionals, club members and business leaders from across Kenya.
Speaking after his victory, an elated Chebitwey described the round as both highly competitive and enjoyable.
In addition, he reflected on his introduction to golf 26 years ago by Kenyan golf legend Larry Ngala, crediting him for nurturing a passion for the game that has kept him coming back ever since.
“It was an incredible day on the course. I had a fantastic four-ball, and we really pushed each other throughout the round. I also want to thank Larry Ngala for introducing me to golf 26 years ago. The lessons and passion he instilled in me have kept me coming back to the game, and it is special to win a tournament like this.” He said.
Winners Across the Categories
Meanwhile, Martin Gatheca (handicap 18) finished as the Men’s Runner-up, while Aggie Konde (handicap 18) claimed the Lady Winner title after returning 37 Stableford points.
In the ladies’ category, Bernadette Irungu, playing off handicap 27, carded 35 points to finish as the Lady Runner-up.
Among the sponsors, NCBA Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer John Gachora, playing off handicap 18, claimed the Sponsor Winner award with 37 points.
East African Breweries Limited (EABL) Group Managing Director and CEO Jane Karuku finished as the Sponsor Runner-up after posting 32 points.
The special prizes saw Fidhelis Kimanzi win the Men’s Longest Drive award, while Kate Murima claimed the Ladies’ Longest Drive title.
Alex Mwangi took home the Men’s Nearest-to-the-Pin prize, with Rebecca Gathumbi winning the Ladies’ category.
Read More: PGK Equator Tour Heads to Nyali for Fourth Leg
Building Relationships Through Golf
Speaking on the inaugural tournament, Oxygène Chairman Linus Gitahi said the event was conceived as a platform to strengthen relationships with clients while creating networking opportunities.
“Oxygène and IKM share common values and, importantly, many common clients. That is what inspired us to organize this tournament; not just as a day of golf, but as a platform to bring together our clients and potential clients, strengthen existing relationships and create meaningful networking opportunities in a relaxed environment,” noted Gitahi.
Echoing the sentiment, IKM Chairman and Senior Counsel James Kamau said the tournament underscored golf’s unique ability to bring people together while fostering new business relationships.
“Golf has a unique way of bringing people together. We are delighted by the overwhelming turnout for this inaugural tournament, which has provided an excellent opportunity for leaders across different sectors to connect, build relationships and create new partnerships. We look forward to growing this event even further.” Kamau highlighted.
