KGU
Samuel Njoroge: My experience in Ireland
The situation was compounded by
very strong winds. Here, only low
shots can see you through, a skill
I had not mastered so well. Then
throw in the unfamiliar weather
conditions and my experience was
a true baptism of fire. It was my
first time to play in temperatures as
low as 7°C and at a lower altitude
meaning the ball was not moving
fast and further as I am used to back
home.
All in all I gave a good account of
myself even though I did not make
the cut. I played to round of 79 and
80 way above the +4 cut line. During
my short stay I learnt quite a lot. I am
targeting to improve my handicap
further to +5 before considering
turning pro. I am currently ranked
551 in the World Amateur Golf
Ranking.
I
had the honour of representing
Kenya at the 124th Amateur
Championship at Portmarnock
Golf Club in Ireland. This was the
first time our great nation was taking
part in this prestigious event. I was
selected by virtue of being the top
amateur player in Kenya. Competition
at this tournament is at another
level. This is an elite competition
bringing together 288 amateurs from
different parts of the world playing off
a minimum of handicap +2. We even
had guys playing off +7!
The championship Links course is
highly challenging. It has extremely
fast greens and an unforgiving rough.
It is important for Kenya to have
many more amateurs playing off
extremely lower handicaps. And this
we can achieve if KGU can sanction
competitions targeting off scratch
players or better. There should be
a deliberate programme to nurture
the top 10 amateurs complete with
a coach and preferential access to
training facilities.
It was my first time to
play in temperatures as
low as 7°C and at a
lower altitude meaning
the ball was not moving
fast and further as I am
used to back home.