Frankie Gichuru smothers strong field to win 2021 Royal Ladies Open Gold Tournament honours

Golfer Frankie Gichuru hit an impressive gross 78 on count back to emerge the overall winner of this year’s Royal Ladies Open golf tournament played at the par-72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

Channel Wangari won the gross category after returning a gross 78 on count back ahead of Naomi Wafula who hit 79 strokes on count back to beat Serah Khanyereri who came in third.

Meanwhile, Doris Midewa was the winner of the Nett Category after returning a net 72 handicap, ahead of Jeniffer Ngure who managed 73 handicap. Nancy Wairimu returned a net 74 to come in third.

The Royal Ladies Open Tournament is an annual event that brings together female golfers from around the country to compete for the coveted trophy at one of Kenya’s most iconic golfing turfs. This year’s edition sponsored by Johnnie Walker brought together 168 female golfers from across Kenya.

Speaking during the tournament, EABL’s Head of Media Futures Waithera Kabiru said that the sport of golf resonates with key societal values that the Johnnie Walker brand seeks to promote.

“Golf has long been known as the World’s most honourable and genuine game, and the skills and traits associated with it such as honour, respect, honesty, and integrity learned on the golf course. Johnnie Walker shares these values and purposes to create the same environment for its consumers,” said Waithera Kabiru.

Waithera further noted that sponsoring the event was also part of EABL’s long-term strategy to continue engaging with its customers through sports and empowering platforms in line with their inclusivity and diversity agenda.

“We appreciate opportunities to be associated with unique platforms like the Royal Ladies Open as it speaks to more than just sports but to empowering women, something we are passionate about. Through our overall inclusivity and diversity agenda, we will continue to support platforms like golf and sports in general that encourage gender diversity and opportunities for all.”

The landmark tournament is part of Johnnie Walker’s long association with the sport in recent times. The brand was for instance the Presenting Sponsor during this year’s Magical Kenya Open and the Official Alcohol Beverage partner for the Kenya Savannah Classic, both of which were held at the Karen Country Club in March this year.

EABL is also currently involved in various other sports disciplines including athletics, rugby and football. They are currently spearheading a partnership with Team Kenya for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games aiming to support the team during the competition.