T-OFF (ISSUE15) OCT - DEC 2019 | Page 27

GOTY Junior golfer Malik on course for amateurs honours Taimur Malik Rising junior golfer Taimur Malik finally broke in to the top 10 of the Kenya Amateur Golf championship after an impressive maiden win at the Tea Fields Trophy in Kericho. By breaking in to the elite ranks of the series, Malik’s arrival on the scene feels like a breath of fresh air in a championship that has been long dominated by experienced amateurs. Playing off handicap zero, Malik is taking the battle to seasoned warhorses. Samuel Njoroge continues to hold on to the lead, followed by Daniel Nduva and Simon Njogu. The championship has however been marred by no- shows from elite golfers owing to a clash of fixtures. Leader Njoroge has missed the last three events due to international commitments. The exit of Mathew Wahome and Robinson Owiti, who recently joined the pro ranks, has robbed the championship of the much-needed competition at the top of the leaderboard. With four rounds remaining, Daniel Nduva, Simon Njogu and William Odera seem the only players capable of wrestling the crown from Njoroge. The winner of the year-long series will be decided based on the points garnered over the best of ten rounds. DATE TOURNAMENT VENUE OCT 25-27/2019 Kenya Amateur Stroke Play Thika Greens Golf Club Nov 02-03/2019 Manchester Salver Eldoret Golf Club Nov 30-Dec 01/2019 Uhuru Shield Royal Nairobi Golf Club Dec 13-15/2019 Nyali Open Nyali Golf & Country Club