Obonyo and Akoth win in caddies event at Nyali Golf Club

It’s often difficult to play a round of golf in any course and anywhere in the world without the support of golf caddies.

They earn their small living in assisting a golfer by carrying their clubs, providing advice on strategy, club selection, offering moral and mental support during a round of golf in their roles that dates back to the 15th century in Scotland with its roots in the French term "cadet".

This time, a German based Kenyan lady golfer Joyce ‘Masai’ Radtke and her husband Stefan Radtke, currently on holiday at the Coast, decided to celebrate her birthday in style.

At Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa County on Monday, Joyce who is also a member of the club came out to share her special day by supporting a caddies tournament at the par 71 course featuring an estimated 75 caddies.

Fred Obonyo and Carren Akoth showed no mercy to their colleagues by playing out their best to scoop the top gross men and gross lady prizes in the day long 18 holes’ tournament.

Obonyo produced a brilliant 4 over par 75 gross to emerge the overall best gross men winner while Akoth brought 82 gross to clinch the same title in the ladies’ category.

“Though I have not played for many months, today has been my best with this score and I would like to extend my happiness to Joyce and Radke for thinking about us. We as caddies will appreciate if other golfers emulate Joyce and also come to sponsor many more tournaments," said Obonyo.

Jimmy Ismael was the runners up with a score of 84 gross while Leroy Jimmy on 70 nett and Francis Murimi with 74 nett were the men nett winner and runners up respectively.

The lady nett winner on 68 nett was Pauline Oduol and taking up the runners up slot was Ruth Awino with a score of 68 nett.

During the prize giving ceremony at the Caddies ‘Banda’ near the main Nyali Club house, Joyce Radtke expressed joy in sharing her birthday celebrations to support the caddies with a tournament.

“This is a special day and thank you so much for being here. It means a lot to me that you've all taken time from your busy schedules to celebrate my birthday. My husband Radtkeand I are excited to have supported this successful tournament and will do the same again next year," said Joyce.