SOUTH AFRICA’S MOSTERT AND AMERICA’S CAITLYN TAKE EARLY LEAD AT MAGICAL KENYA OPEN
Dylan Mostert lines his putt at Muthaiga Golf Club today.
By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS
South African Dylan Mostert and American Caitlyn John took an early lead tying on seven under par 64 after the first day of this year’s Magical Kenya Open Golf Championships at the par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club.
Mostert 24, who is ranked 339 in the DP Tour, enjoyed the services of his caddie, local pro-Mohit Mediratta who has a good knowledge of the course, to sink eight birdies and set the tempo going into day two’s crucial round where players will be subjected to a cut. The member of Modderfontein Golf Club, however, had a bogey on the par four hole nine.
Catlin completed his round with a thrilling albatross on the long par five hole 18 to the excitement of fans who were seated at the clubhouse next to the hole.
The 32-year-old who has three DP Tour titles to his name also had five birdies and didn’t drop any shot on the first day.
Dutchman Wil Besseling and Pierre Pineau tied on six under par 65 to share the third spot after the first round. Besseling 37, had eight birdies but fumbled on the par four hole 15 where he had a double bogey after missing his putt twice.
Youngster Pineau who is ranked 393 managed four birdies and an eagle on the par five hole four.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s trio of Judy Wanjiku, Carl Wambasi and Golf Park’s Francis Wambua alongside Dutch national Will Besseling emerged victorious in the pre-event of the Magical Kenya Open-ProAm tournament played at Muthaiga Golf Club, Wednesday.
The team of four carded 42 under Par at the Par 71 course to beat the team of Scottish Pro Grant Forest, Mike Mutiga, Peter Karoki and Felista Mutinda who amassed 39 under par at close of business.
At the same time, the team led by South African great Justin Harding, Bein Gathuma, Sam Kangau and Ex-Muthaiga Golf Club Chairman finished on 36 under par to push the line. Additionally, there were four other teams who tied at 35 under par with Scottish Pro Robert MacIntyre alongside Sports Ministry Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, Francis Muraya and Bernard Kiraithe who is the sitting Royal Nairobi Golf Club Chairman.
Kenya Open Round 1 Leader Board:
Dylan Mostert (South Africa) -7 (64)
John Catlin (USA) -7 (64)
Wil Besseling (Netherlands) -6 (65)
Pierre Pineau (France) -6 (65)
Borja Virto (Spain) -5 (66)
Tom Murray (England) -5 (66)
Nick Bachem (Germany) -5 (66)
Caset Jarvis (South Africa) -5 (66)
Gavin Green (Malaysia) -5 (66)