Hitayezu claims Manchester Salver title in Eldoret
Rwanda’s Hitayezu Jean D’Amour underlined his growing dominance in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) series after winning the Manchester Salver title at Eldoret Golf Club on Sunday.
Hitayezu carded a one-under-par total of 212 to clinch his second KAGC title of the season at the par-71 course, following his victory at the Coast Open (Barry Cup) at Mombasa Golf Club on July 5.
The Kigali Golf Resort and Villas golfer returned rounds of 72, 68 and 72 to finish one stroke under par after three days of competition.
His victory saw him overcome a strong field of Kenya’s top amateur golfers, with compatriot Jacques Byiringiro, representing Limuru Country Club, finishing second on two-over-par 215.
Royal Nairobi Golf Club’s Kamoza Longwe and John Kamaisi of Nakuru tied for third place on 216.
Playing in the final group alongside Byiringiro, Kamaisi and Longwe, Hitayezu faced a challenging start to his final round, dropping three shots on the front nine.
However, he mounted an impressive recovery on the back nine, picking up birdies on holes 10 and 13 before maintaining his composure to secure the title.
Eldoret Golf Club captain Aron Kitur congratulated the winners, saying the tournament attracted 118 amateur golfers, with 78 qualifying for the final round.
Kitur also confirmed that all prize money had been paid to the respective winners.
Top results
1. Hitayezu Jean D’Amour (Rwanda-Vetlab) 72, 68, 72 – 212
2. Jacques Byiringiro (Rwanda-Limuru) 73, 67, 75 – 215
3. Kamoza Longwe (Royal) 72, 73, 71 – 216
4. John Kamaisi (Nakuru) 70, 74, 72 – 216
5. Felix Dusabe (Rwanda-Limuru) 74, 76, 69 – 219
6. Raphael Lemin’ani (Ruiru) 69, 79, 71 – 219
7. Geoffrey Karioki (Kisii) 72, 77, 73 – 222
8. Eugene Wafula (Muthaiga) 68, 77, 79 – 224
9. Daniel Mwangi (Nanyuki) 71, 76, 78 – 225
