Allan Rop delivered an impressive performance to emerge as the overall winner of the 2026 Standard County Golf Classic – Eldoret Edition after carding an outstanding 48 Stableford points at Eldoret Club over the weekend.
The 32-year-old father of three outshone a field of more than 150 golfers in the tournament, which was played under the theme “On the Green Course, for the Green Cause,” a campaign that combines golf with environmental conservation and climate action.
For his victory, Rop was awarded a two-night accommodation package at the scenic Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli, courtesy of tournament sponsors Eka Hotel Eldoret.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, Eka Hotel Eldoret General Manager Kennedy Were said the hotel was proud to support the event because of its alignment with sustainability efforts.
“We are happy to present Rop with this award because this tournament resonates with what we do. We also participated in tree planting activities at the club because the event aligns with our values of supporting sustainable actions on climate change,” said Were.
Rop attributed his success to intensive practice sessions at Eldoret Club during the week leading up to the tournament.
“I swung very well and ensured most of my shots remained on the fairways. I was relaxed and confident throughout the round, which helped me convert several birdie opportunities,” he said.
The golfer expressed gratitude to his wife, children and close friends for their unwavering support, noting that their encouragement had helped him improve his game.
Rop also praised Standard Group PLC and Eka Hotel Eldoret for their commitment to growing golf in the country.
“Standard Group remains a leading media house in Kenya, while Eka Hotel Eldoret has demonstrated that it is willing to support initiatives beyond the hospitality industry. Their support is helping golf continue to grow,” he said.
He further lauded the tournament’s environmental focus and called on more corporate organizations and sponsors to support similar initiatives aimed at promoting climate action.
Following this victory, Rop, who is also the Founder of Cube Innovation Hub and a Board Member of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said he intends to intensify his training in pursuit of lowering his handicap from 36 to a single-digit figure.
He said golf has positively impacted his life by improving his fitness and creating valuable networking opportunities that have contributed to his business growth.
He encouraged more people to take up the sport, describing it as therapeutic and rewarding.
“This sport gives you opportunities to connect with people you never imagined meeting. It is a game worth embracing,” he said.
Other winners at the tournament included Marion Lepiren, who claimed the Junior Winner title with 42 points; Florence Murgor, who won the Ladies category with 40 points and also recorded a hole-in-one; and Dominic Chelimo, who emerged the Men’s Winner with 38 points.
Shadrack Ngetich secured the Gross Winner award with a score of 79 gross and also won the Longest Drive Men title. Sylvia Chelagat finished as Ladies Runner-Up with 37 points and won the Longest Drive Lady prize.
John Kibosia emerged as the Senior Winner with 39 points, while Harry Kipruto and Mary Chumo won the Nearest-to-the-Pin awards in the men’s and ladies’ categories, respectively.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
