Former captain Irene Brooker, Faith Chemutai and Lydia Jebichii are among the strong field expected to battle for top honours during the Nandi Open Shield this weekend at the Par 72 Nandi Bears Golf Club.

The event, starting today to Sunday, is part of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) Series. 

In an interview, Chemutai, who has been consistent in women's championships, said she wants to make the cut come Saturday and be in the medal bracket. 

“This is the first time I am playing in this KAGC event but my target is to finish among the top players,” said Chemutai.

She said she started her training well ahead of the event and hopes to post good results. 

“I have been training well and I am keen to fight off the big boys in the game. I know I will face many hurdles but that will only strengthen my swing,” she revealed.

Chemutai will be at the tee at 11:40 am alongside Nandi’s Michael Chebii and Eldoret’s Aron Kitur while Jebichii will be tee-boarding at 7:20 am in the company of clubmate Eliud Kemboi and Eldoret’s James Komen.

At the same time, home golfers Nelson Koech, Captain Isaac Kuto, Kimeli Mutai, and Elly Barno have declared themselves ready for the third edition of the Nandi Bears Open Shield. 

Koech, who will be chasing KAGC points, will be seeking to recapture his 2021 title, which he lost to John Lejirma last year.

With the tournament improved to a 54-hole from 36 holes, Koech said he is working hard alongside his club mates to secure top positions.

“We have been training as a team here ahead of the tournament as we expect good results at home. This has been our full-time job for the event. All top amateurs will be here and we are looking forward to dominating the event at home,” said Koech.

Captain Kuto said they are expecting over 80 amateurs to tee off this morning.

Heading into the Nandi Open Shield, Michael Karanga leads with 1213 points ahead of Lejirma’s 572 and Ugandan Godfrey Nsubuga (502).