By GPC Sports Reporter

Nyahururu Golf Club’s Chrispin Sankale won the inaugural Golf Fore Tee-Tees Tournament at Limuru Country Club in Kiambu County, scoring 46 Stableford points to beat a field of more than 200 participants.

Sankale, playing off a handicap of 21, scored 24 points on the front nine and 22 on the back nine to claim the overall title at Friday’s tournament, organised to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early screening.

The event was initiated by breast cancer survivor Wambui Gitonga and sponsored by Oxygene Marketing and Communication Ltd, Nairobi South Hospital and other partners.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, Sankale said he was delighted to win the inaugural title, noting that the tournament combined competition with a cause beyond golf.

“Winning this title makes the experience even more special, knowing that we have also contributed to raising awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early screening as we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” he said.

Sylvia Kurgat finished second overall with 43 points, while Daniel Kamiti came third with 42 points. Kurgat won the women’s category, while Kamiti took the men’s title.

Fidelis Kimanzi won the gross category with 75 points. In the sponsors’ category, Mureithi Mutahi of Oxygene Marketing and Communication Ltd scored 40 points, while Dr Abdisalan Maalim of Nairobi South Hospital returned 32 points.

Allan Mugusha and Joy Gichuru won the men’s and women’s Longest Drive awards, respectively. Stephen Karabao and Julie Bagamuhunda took the men’s and women’s Nearest to the Pin awards.

Gitonga said the initiative was inspired by her personal experience with breast cancer and the need to encourage awareness, early detection and support for patients and survivors.

“As a breast cancer survivor, this initiative is deeply personal to me. I understand the importance of awareness, early detection and having a strong support system throughout the journey,” she said.

“Through Golf Fore Tee-Tees, we want to continue creating opportunities for people to come together, enjoy the game of golf and, most importantly, amplify the message that early screening can make a difference.”

Gitonga said more than 200 participants attended the event, while more than 70 people underwent screening, describing the turnout as encouraging.

She expressed hope that the tournament would become an annual event, using golf to promote health awareness and encourage more people to prioritise screening.

The tournament was held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, observed under the theme “Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters”.

It attracted golfers, corporate representatives and well-wishers from the banking, healthcare, telecommunications, public relations and marketing sectors.

Taking part

Participating organisations included Oxygene Marketing and Communication Ltd, Nairobi South Hospital, PKF, NCBA, KCB, Faraja, Safaricom, Gulf Energy, Vivo Energy, National Bank and DTB Bank, among others.

Oxygene Marketing and Communication Ltd managing director Nick Wachira said the sponsorship reflected the company’s commitment to partnerships and community engagement in support of social causes.

“We believe communication and meaningful partnerships can play an important role in driving awareness and inspiring action on issues that affect our communities,” he said.

Wachira said the company was proud to partner with Gitonga and other stakeholders to raise breast cancer awareness and encourage early screening.

The inaugural tournament seeks to establish a platform where golf, wellness and advocacy can work together to sustain breast cancer awareness beyond October.