Karume recaptures Craig Bowl after two previous wins

On a six stroke advantage, Wanjiru Karume won the 87th edition of Craig Bowl at Kiambu Golf Club over the weekend.

The former Kenya-one posted 72 Gross to edge out another home and top lady amateur, Joyce Wanjiru, who managed 78 Gross top in Division A.

A solid performance by Karume saw her decimate the rest of the field of 95 golfers from across the country, who took part in the tournament that was presented by Absa, Rwandair, Windsor Motors limited, Samsung, Medipoint and Farmers Choice.

Banking on her vast experience in golf, having been playing since 1997, Karume had an easy sailing as she navigated her home course with ease, hitting long and straight off the deck, mid-game and short game.

She also did a great job with the putting, as she remained steady in every aspect of her game to seal her victory.

She made a hat-trick of wins, having lifted the same title in 2004 and in 2019. In her sleeve, she has five caps for Kenya team.

Her impressive showing earned her a return air ticket to Rwanda courtesy of main sponsor, Rwandair, which is valid for six months.

“It’s charming to reclaim this title for the third time at home and better even to beat lady golfers from all over the country,” Karume said.

Suggesting that it was almost time for her to quit the competitive stage and pave way for younger golfers, Karume said she won’t be taking part in the Ladies Coast Open, which begins today.

The lady golfers will be playing in the 18-hole at Diamonds Leisure Lodge Beach and Golf Resort, before heading to Mombasa Golf Club for another round of 18-holes.

Their third round will see them play 36-holes at Nyali Golf and Country Club before proceeding to Vipingo Ridge Golf Resort for another round of 18, before winding up at Malindi Golf Club for their final round of 18.

Joyce Wanjiru, who lost to Karume, was happy with her round but blamed her driving on the last three holes which was off for the 4-overs she got instead of her target of 2-under.

“I’ve been under too much pressure with personal issues but I’m glad I now have a sponsor, Kiambu Golf Club and looking forward to the coastal tour where I expect to play well,” she said.

Over 150 lady golfers are expected to take part in the tournament.

The club’s lady captain Cheryl Bush said they are happy to welcome the players to the course, which boasts lush green fairways that run through palm, cashew nut and casuarina Pine trees, while overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The Ladies Coast Open tourney is organised under the umbrella of the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) together with the KLGU Coast representative Teresia Odoo.

Some of the players to watch include Mombasa and Vipingo defending champion, who is also the overall gross winner, Naomi Wafula.

Others are Margaret Njoki, Allysa Jamal, Susan Stokes, Mary Kandu, Mwongeli Nzioka, Martha Bibirye, Jacky Walter, Mercy Nyanchama, Kelly Gachaga, Esther Chumo and Nancy Wanjiru.