Jolly Esmail Marks 73rd Birthday with Win as Over 200 Golfers Tee Off at Sigona

Gross winner Junaid Manji in action during the Clubnite by Murdoch University at Sigona Golf Club, July 2, 2026.

Jolly Esmail Marks 73rd Birthday with Win as Over 200 Golfers Tee Off at Sigona

Abigael Wafula 15:30 - 03.07.2025

Jolly Esmail led a field of over 200 golfers to victory with a standout birthday performance at the Sigona Golf Club.

Over 200 golfers descended on the Sigona Golf Club on Wednesday to showcase their skills in the Clubnite event.

Jolly Esmail, 73, Junaid Manji, Pankaj Patel and Fredrick Kuria are some of the golfers who stood out in the tournament.

Playing off a handicap of 23, Jolly Esmail used his mastery of the course, having played there for the past 43 years.

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Everything clicked during his round, culminating in a winning score of 42 stableford points. At the same time, Jolly Esmail was also celebrating his birthday.

"Commemorating my 73rd birthday at Sigona Golf Club, where I've played for 42 years, truly made this day unforgettable. With a touch of luck and my experience, I achieved a win that enhanced the joy of my milestone," he said.

The event, sponsored by Murdoch University, saw amateur Jitesh Shah, playing off a handicap of 21, follow Jolly Esmail closely, recording 41 stableford points. Kuldip Devgun tied with Jitesh Shah, but he was forced to seal the podium on countback.

Junaid Manji Among Other Notable Performers

Gross winner Junaid Manji in action during the Clubnite by Murdoch University at Sigona Golf Club, July 2, 2026.
Gross winner Junaid Manji in action during the Clubnite by Murdoch University at Sigona Golf Club, July 2, 2026.

Junaid Manji impressed with a round of 71 Gross to claim the winner’s prize in that category. The second division saw Pankaj Patel emerge top with an excellent 42 stableford points.

The tournament, organised by Uniserve, a student placement agency that supports students seeking to pursue higher education abroad, saw the visiting player, Fredrick Kuria, lead the pack with 38 stableford points, as Mary Waqo and Shaneil Haria each walked away with the Nines honours after posting 22 stableford points apiece.

Elsewhere, Jitu Shah celebrated his third career hole-in-one on the par-three third hole, striking a perfect seven-iron.

Speaking after the tournament, Rahim Kassam, Chief Executive at Uniserve Education, said: "Murdoch University provides industry-recognised degrees that prepare students for quality jobs and are accredited by local and global institutions, enabling graduates to pursue opportunities in countries such as Kenya."

The Sigona Clubnite delivered not only impressive scores and standout performances but also heartfelt moments like Jolly Esmail's birthday victory and Jitu Shah's remarkable hole-in-one. With such performances, the golf landscape in Kenya promises an exciting season ahead.