KENYA TO WELCOME BACK THE LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR
MKLO defending champion Esther Henseleit celebrates after retaining her championship title early this year.
By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS
Preparations have begun as the country once again sets the stage for the season opener of the Ladies European Tour (LET) in February. Two times champion Germany’s Esther Henseleit will be returning to Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County, to defend her Magical Kenya Ladies Open title among a field size of 96 professional players in a bid to secure a head start on the Race to Costa del Sol.
Preparations for the event are now underway by organisers U.COM and Vipingo Ridge who will host this spectacular tournament, the only women’s professional golf competition in East Africa, for a third time. The tournament will be held from February 2 to 5, on the 18-hole Baobab Course, the continent’s sole PGA-accredited course, and preceded by a Pro-Am on February 1.
First held at the end of 2019 and a second time in February 2022 after a Covid-enforced break, the tournament features golfers from many different nationalities including a selection of home Kenyan players, at the invitation of the LET, including Vipingo Ridge’s PGA Academy star, Naomi Wafula.
Defending champion Esther Henseleit spoke of her return: “I’m really looking forward to going back to Kenya and defending my title. It’s a special place for me because it’s where I won my first professional tournament and I’ve always found there’s a great atmosphere with many friendly faces. A great way to start the season!”
For his part, CEO Dirk Glittenberg of U.COM said: “Kenya is very special to us. To be able to secure the official kick-off season event in this incredible country once again is a fantastic opportunity. We are very excited to keep growing our enthusiastic family of sponsors and fans.”
Vipingo Ridge’s Chairman Alastair Cavenagh added: “We look forward to another fantastic LET tournament in the New Year. Kenya has proven that we can put on world-class golf events and I am delighted that Vipingo Ridge can play its part for a third time in hosting these talented sportswomen from so many countries. We know millions of fans will be watching the action in February and so we’ll be sure to put on a great show to ensure our magical destination gets the attention it deserves”.
Announcing the return of the tournament, LET CEO Alexandra Armas said: “We are thrilled to be kick-starting our record-breaking 2023 LET season with the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, which will be the first event on the Race to Costa del Sol. Our players love the magnificent Baobab Course and the unique safari-like atmosphere at Vipingo Ridge and many of our members will be returning for the third edition of the tournament. We can’t wait to start what will be a busy and exciting year on the LET.”
The Magical Kenya Ladies Open will be the first in a series of 39 events on the Ladies European Tour 2023 calendar – the most fixtures ever held on the Tour. Spectators will be encouraged to attend the 4-day event and cheer on the professional players.