Saiti clinches Murdoch Open title at Muthaiga layout
By Kass Sports,
Muthaiga Golf Club played host to a field of 136 golfers on Wednesday for the third edition of the Murdoch University Open. Home-turf advantage proved decisive for Anthony Saiti, who secured the overall title with an impressive 42 stableford points.
The tournament, sponsored by Murdoch University and the Australian High Commission, served as a symbolic bridge between Australian academia and the Kenyan sporting world. For Saiti, the victory was particularly sweet, offering a “pick-me-up” after a difficult January spent struggling with his form.
Saiti cited the win as a perfect “pick-me-up” moment for him after a demanding January, during which he struggled significantly with his game.
The competition was stiff across all the other categories. John Gitonga was declared the Gross winner with 73 gross points ahead of Rajesh Babra, who posted 73 gross points.
In the Men’s division, Anderson Matheka carded a solid score of 40 stableford points to claim the prize, outshining the Men’s winner, second, Aarav Shah, playing off a handicap of 16, who managed a score of 38 stableford points. Handicap 19, Samuel Mbugua, led in Division Three in third with a commendable score of 41 stableford points.
Blazing in the ladies’ category was Terry Obath, who inked a score of 41 stableford points to bag the Lady winner title on a score of 35 stableford points.
For the visiting golfers, Bilha Muriithi, stayed ahead of the pack, returning a score of 37 stableford points, which was enough to secure her the Guest prize.
Other notable performances included Wolfgang Fisher, who claimed the Front Nine prize with 23 stableford points, and David Ngugi, who led the Back Nine with 21 stableford points.
While the action unfolded on the greens, the partnership behind the scenes focused on opening doors for Kenyan students. Murdoch University, based in Perth, Western Australia, has made Kenya its primary hub for African operations.
“We are building more than just academic records; we are building people-to-people ties,” said Jimimah Schilling, Trade Commissioner – Australian Trade and Investment Commission, highlighting the scholarships and flexible admission policies currently available to Kenyan applicants.
In a landmark move, Murdoch University has reduced its Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education KCSE entry requirement to a C+, and it is the first Australian university to recognise KCSE results directly.
