By Robert Mutasi 
Kristian Tiren delivered an impressive performance to emerge overall winner of the Absa Bank Golf Tournament held at Eldoret Golf Club on Saturday, scoring 41 Stableford points.
Playing off handicap 17, Tiren topped a competitive field of golfers drawn from across the region in a tournament that showcased talent and camaraderie. Friendly wagers among players in his flight added excitement to the competition.
Speaking after his victory, Tiren described his round as competitive, particularly over the opening nine holes, where a combination of a bogey, a birdie and several pars helped him build momentum.
However, the back nine presented a tougher challenge, with rising temperatures and fatigue affecting his performance. Fast greens and tricky pin positions also made scoring increasingly difficult.
Ken Serem, playing off handicap scratch, finished second with 39 points, while Wilson Kwambai, handicap 13, secured third place with 37 points.
In the subsidiary categories, Karl Fernandes claimed the first-nine prize with 23 points, while Abel Sawe took the second-nine honours with 19 points.
Victor Kwambai and Fransica Korir won the nearest-to-the-pin awards, while Serem and Susan Bett claimed the longest-drive prizes.
Beyond the competition, the tournament provided an opportunity for Absa Bank to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening partnerships in the North Rift region and supporting the growth of sports tourism.
Absa Bank Director of Personal and Private Banking Moses Muthui highlighted Eldoret’s growing potential as a destination for health and sports tourism, noting the importance of partnerships in positioning the region as a leading sporting hub.
Muthui expressed the bank’s interest in establishing a long-term relationship with Eldoret Golf Club, citing its vision and the region’s growing reputation in sports.
“After seeing your vision of the club, count us as your partner. Also, next year we will sponsor a golf tournament here,” Muthui said.
His commitment to sponsoring another tournament next year was welcomed as a significant boost to the club’s ambitions, opening opportunities for greater corporate involvement in golf development.
The partnership is also expected to contribute to the promotion of sports tourism, bringing together businesses, athletes and visitors while strengthening Eldoret’s position as a sporting destination in the North Rift region.
Baraka Simba