Home Player Mutua Conquers Machakos in Old Mutual Golf Classic

Machakos, Kenya — September 22, 2025, 10:15 EAT.

Benard Mutua claimed the overall men’s title at the Old Mutual Golf Classic held at Machakos Golf Club, outscoring a field of 136 golfers under challenging dry and demanding course conditions.

1) The Latest

• Mutua, playing off a handicap of 20, tallied 41 stableford points, edging out his rivals to win the overall prize. 

• The tournament drew 136 participants, who competed over a course that played longer than usual due to dry conditions, making driving and precision even more important. 

• Doreen Mwau was the standout in the ladies’ competition with 46 stableford points, while Jane Kiiti followed with 42 points in second place. 

2) Context in Brief

• The Old Mutual Golf Classic is a leading amateur golf tournament in Machakos County, drawing players from across Kenya.

• Stableford scoring rewards players based on holes with net points, helping balance competition among players of varying handicaps.

• Dry weather has extended course play and impacted turf resilience, especially in par-five holes and roughs, giving an additional test to participants.

3) Law, Policy & Process

• The event is governed by Kenya Golf Union rules, including handicap verification and local rules about course play and equipment.

• Stability and fairness are maintained through categories: overall men, ladies, senior, guest, sponsor winner etc., each with their own criteria.

• Prize-giving follows the tournament’s official adjudication based on scores and count-backs in case of ties.

4) Voices & Stakeholders

• Benard Mutua: “Winning today’s golf event here in Machakos was an incredible experience! I travelled all the way from Nyandarua and found joy in every swing. The good company, my strong performance with the drivers, and the beautiful scenery of Machakos made it all the more special.” 

• Doreen Mwau (Ladies Winner): With 46 stableford points, she was the standout female competitor. The report notes her score as “astounding” under difficult course conditions. 

• Joe Mboya, Simon Kimatu, David Mwangangi: These players tied in the men’s category on 40 stableford points; Joe Mboya won on a count-back. 

5) Evidence & Data Box

6) Risks & Implications

• Player Development: Mutua’s win may boost his confidence and visibility; strong performance in amateur tournaments often leads to sponsorships or entry into higher-tier events.

• Course Maintenance: The dry and demanding conditions highlight the need for better upkeep and perhaps irrigation upgrades for Machakos Golf Club to maintain fair play.

• Growth of Amateur Golf: Success stories like this can encourage more participation in amateur golf, especially from outside Nairobi, expanding the sport’s reach.

7) What We Don’t Know Yet

• Whether Mutua’s win will affect his handicap or qualify him for other tournaments or tours.

• The exact margin in tie-breaking (count-back) between Joe Mboya, Simon Kimatu, and David Mwangangi in terms of holes or scores.

• Prize money, if any, or rewards associated with the win (e.g., trophies, vouchers).

• How weather forecasts may influence future tournaments, given the course’s sensitivity to dryness.

8) Timeline

9) What to Watch

• Upcoming performances of Benard Mutua in other tournaments (whether this win will translate into consistency).

• How Machakos Golf Club and similar venues adapt to climate challenges (irrigation, maintenance, scheduling) to maintain competitiveness.

• Interest in amateur golf sponsorships following such events — potential for growth in equipment support, training, local leagues.

Editor’s Note: Based on Standard Media’s Home player Mutua conquers Machakos by Mose Sammy (published September 22, 2025).

Corrections: None at time of publication.