Sports

2022 Magical Kenya Open kicks off in Nairobi

Thursday, March 3rd, 2022 18:05 | By
Justin Harding receives his trophy from President Uhuru Kenyatta at last year's Magical Kenya Open championships at the Karen Country Club Photo/CALEB OKETCH/IMG

The 2022 Magical Kenya Open has kicked off today with 156 golfers expected to compete for top honors in the four-day event that will officially be closed by President Uhuru Kenyatta. 

Kenyan golfers, led by the 2021/22 Safari Tour champion Dismus Indiza, have a reason to smile after they were awarded Ksh 200,000 each for making it to the region's most lucrative golf tournament. 

The financial boost is good news for the Kenyans as they aim at reclaiming the title last won by a local in 1997.

Formerly under the European Tour calendar, about Ksh228 million is up for grabs and this is enough motivation for the local golfers led by Indiza.

On Wednesday, Indiza said: “The fans should expect the best from us, if all goes well we shall succeed. In golf, you cannot predict the outcome each day. You can play well the first day and end up having a bad day in the office the following day."

The Kenyan pros in the Open include Indiza (Mumias GcC), Simon Ngige (Thika Sports Club), Erick Ooko (Golf Park Gc), Greg Snow (Muthaiga Gc), Justus Madoya (Great Rift Valley Golf Lodge Resort), Samuel Njoroge (Railways), David Wakhu (Golf Park Gc) and Mohit Mediratta (Sigona GC).

South African-based Daniel Nduva (Nyali G&CC) was handed a wildcard given his good form in Safari Tours held at the same venue.

Others given the wildcards include KCB Karen Masters champion Toto Thimba Jnr (Silverlakes Golf Estate- RSA), Jayden Schaper (Ebotse Golf Estate- RSA), Ronald Rugumayo (UG), Robson Chinhoi, (Royal Harare GC), Sebastian Heisele (GER) and Paul Chidale (Lilongwe GC -MLW).

The six amateurs; Adel Taufiq Balala (Nyali G&CC), Taimur Malik (Muthaiga GC), Michael Karanga (Kiambu GC), Njoroge Kibugu (Muthaiga GC), Dennis Maara (Limuru GC) and John Lejirma (Kenya Railways GC) are also in the Kenyan team.

Last week, Mediamax brands sponsored the tournament to a tune of Ksh27.5 million.

In the deal, K24 television and K24-Plus App are the local broadcasters for the tournament that runs from March 3 to 6.

After Thursday, there will be a cut-off to 60 golfers who will compete for the top honours.

More on Sports


ADVERTISEMENT

RECOMMENDED STORIES Sports


ADVERTISEMENT