NAIROBI LEAGUE
Super, Main and Subsidiary. Under
the new rules, all clubs are required
to field a minimum of 15 teams with
each team playing for maximum two
points. There are 30 maximum points
per round. All players play of their full
handicap subject to 90% of handicap
difference. There’s no strokes limit
and clubs are not allowed to play
Honorary members.
Already, there’s clamour to have
some of the rules revisited. The most
notable proposal is the introduction
of strokes limit which popular opinion
seems to be favouring a maximum
of eight. This, the proponents argue
will ensure fair competition especially
whenever single handicappers are
matched against high handicappers.
“Low handicappers are greatly
disadvantaged when playing against
high handicappers especially in
an away match. To say the least,
it has been quite demotivating for
the single handicappers,” observes
Jonathan Marucha, vice-Captain
Kenya Railway, convenors of the
2019 Nairobi District Golf League.
Clubs that seem to have been most
affected by the change of rules
include defending champions Kenya
Railway, who finished a distant
seventh, Muthaiga and Vetlab.
To adjust to the new rules some
clubs opted not to play their low
handicappers while others struggled
to fashion a competitive pairing.
“The change of rules had had both a
positive and negative impact. Teams
that were not very competitive in
the past played extremely well this
time round. The open format has
encouraged participation,” Marucha
advises.
After the grueling season that
teed off in February, the Simbas
have ample time to savour their
victory before the 2020 challenge
commences in March next year. The
biggest change to the new season
will be the expansion of the league
to a 13 team competition following
the admission of Thika Greens Golf
Club. And with this move, the team
that finishes last will be relegated
owing to the tight calendar.
The League Convenors forum is also
considering proposals to divide the
teams in to two Regions in future in
order to accommodate more clubs
notably Machakos and Kenya Air
Force.
Team Golf Park