It was a painful and disappointing second round of action for most Kenyan golfers at the course today, with poor scores recorded at the Par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club yesterday. 

As hosts, many fans were left shocked and disheartened as results streamed in hole by hole, with the likes of Michael Karanga, Samuel Njoroge, Mohit Mediratta, and David Wakhu struggling badly to save face, all closing on double-digit scores over par on the leaderboard. 

Home favourite Njoroge Kibugi, who was the darling of the crowd two years ago when he made it to the final round, seems to be out of luck this time. His score of +5 (147) at the close of round two was not good enough, leaving him tied at position 120 in the standings. 

Meanwhile, top Kenyan amateur player Michael Karanga has found the tournament tough, delivering results far from satisfactory. There were high expectations for the Kiambu Golf Club-based player, who made his debut in this DP Tour event last year. 

Karanga, who recently led a contingent of Kenyan players to the Africa Amateur Championships in South Africa, completed his round with a total score of +11 (153) on a day he carded five bogeys and a triple/double bogey consecutively on holes 7 and 8 in what was literally a horror show under the scorching sun. His round two ended with a score of +9 (81), with only two birdies to his name at holes 13 and 18. 

Mohit Mediratta of Sigona Golf and Country Club endured a nightmare of sorts, hitting +14 (156) in a round that proved difficult all day. With only two birdies at holes 10 and 11, the rest of his play was centred on survival mode. Mediratta carded a staggering seven bogeys, closing with a triple bogey/double bogey on holes 17 and 18. His putting and drives let him down significantly, with frustration clearly written on his face. 

Meanwhile, further up the leaderboard, Kenya Amateurs captain John Lejirma of Railways Club showed some improvement on the course by the close of round two. His score of +4 (146) was better, as he finished his round at level par, recovering four shots from round one. He is tied in position 1098 on the leaderboard in his third season in the tournament. 

Another improved performance came from Edwin Mudanyi of VetLab Golf Club, who finished at +5 (147) after two rounds of play. His round scores were +1 (72), and as a returnee to this tournament after two years out, he showed great strides in his game despite some misplaced shots for the 30-year-old. – Barry Silah