Fresh from his brilliant performance in the third leg of the Safari Tour at Limuru Country Club, Vet Lab’s Edwin Mudanyi is the man to watch as Kenya’s top amateurs battle for the 2018 Manchester Salver tournament trophy at Eldoret Golf Club.
The plus two handicap Mudanyi, produced two fine rounds of 68 and 67 and appeared set for an upset victory against the professionals, despite a third round score of four over par 76 gross.
He, however, blew up his chances after picking up a double bogey at the 12th and two single bogeys at the 13th and 16th holes for three over par 75 during Wednesday’s final round, to eventually tie for third place with Windsor professional David Opati on 286, leaving another top amateur Michael Karanga of Kiambu to walk away with the title.
At Eldoret, where the event has attracted a star field of 90 players, Mudanyi, will be seeking back-to-back victories having beaten Ruiru Sports Club’s Ben Omondi by three shots to claim the 2017 title.
“Limuru was a confidence boosting tournament and I am happy with my game so far though I did not win the Safari Tour. For this weekend, I know it’s a difficult task defending a KAGC event, but I believe I have a good chance of keeping the title, as I am mentally and physical ready for the event,” said Mudanyi, who learnt golf at Eldoret under his cousin pro Boniface Simwa.
He will be facing among other challengers, his club-mates Mike Kisia, Robinson Owiti, Isaiah Otuke and Issac Makokha.