Golf Park Golf Club professional Eric Ooko grabbed the early clubhouse lead after the opening round of the Absa Invitational at Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa on Tuesday.
Ooko, who now leads a star-studded field in the tournament, the fourth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, attributed his performance to a strong start, patience and accurate ball striking.
"It’s always good to start a tournament with a solid round. I stayed patient, gave myself plenty of birdie opportunities and managed the course well. There are still two rounds to play, so the focus is to remain consistent and keep doing the basics well," said Ooko.
The tournament has attracted a strong field of 80 golfers from nine countries, all battling for a share of the Sh2 million prize purse, as well as Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points and Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points.
Three players share second place on two-under-par 69: Nigeria’s Ideriah Solomon, Sigona Golf Club’s Mohit Mediratta and Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera.
Mediratta, who has maintained impressive form following his strong showing at the Kabete Challenge, was also encouraged despite feeling he left a few shots on the course.
"I struck the ball well and gave myself chances. There are a few putts I would have liked to make, but overall, it’s a positive opening round, and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead," he said.
The race is expected to intensify in Wednesday’s second round, with players battling not only for the tournament lead but also for a place in Thursday’s final round.
At the end of Wednesday’s play, only the top 30 players and ties will make the cut and progress to Thursday’s final round to contest the title, the Sh2 million prize fund and valuable ranking points.