From left – Kenyan amateurs for the Magical Kenya Open, Deaflympics bronze medalist Isaac Makokha, Michael Karanga, John Lejirma, and Josephat Rono with NCBA Group MD John Gachora (C)

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Kenyan amateur golfers sponsored by NCBA Bank have expressed confidence as they gear up for the prestigious Magical Kenya Open, scheduled to tee off on February 25 at the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Club.

The four local amateurs who include John Lejirma, Deaflympics bronze medalist Isaac Makokha, Africa’s second-best shot hitter Michael Karanga, and Josphat Rono will compete against a field of 144 local and international golfers for a chance to be crowned champion of the tournament which is part of the DP World Tour.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Isaac Makokha, said: “My preparation for this year’s tournament has been rigorous, both mentally and physically, to ensure that I am in peak condition for the tournament. My hope is to make the cut and be able to play throughout the tournament.

I am ready to showcase my talent and make Kenya proud on the international stage. It is a dream come true, and I am committed to making the most of this experience.”

Seasoned amateur player John Lejirma who prides himself as the only Samburu to ever embrace the gentleman’s game, will be making his third attempt in the tournament this year. He expressed his enthusiasm saying: “The Magical Kenya Open is a momentous event for Kenyan golfers, and I am honored to be among the players representing our country. I am focused on giving my all on the course and making Kenya proud.

Meanwhile, Josephat Rono from Golf Park who will be making his debut at the tournament relishes the opportunity to play alongside top golfers around the world, “As a first-timer, I am thrilled at the prospect of competing alongside top golfers from around the world. This opportunity is a dream come true for me, and I am deeply grateful to NCBA Bank for their support this far. I am eager and confident of taking on the challenge and showcase my skills on the international stage, and hope to settle for a respectable position,” said Rono.

Meanwhile, Kiambu Golf Club’s Michael Karanga who emerged as the champion of the 2023 NCBA Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series expressed confidence saying: “Having emerged top of the 2023 NCBA Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series, I am confident in my abilities and ready to take on the challenge of the Magical Kenya Open. Competing alongside top golfers from around the world is a tremendous opportunity which I am eager to take,” said Karanga.

NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora highlighted the significance of the Bank’s support for the four amateurs: “As NCBA Bank, we are proud to support these talented Kenyan amateur golfers as they prepare to compete in the Magical Kenya Open. Their participation not only represents a significant milestone in their individual careers but also underscores our commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting the growth of golf in Kenya. Through our sponsorship, we aim to provide them with the necessary resources and opportunities to excel and inspire aspiring golfers across the nation,” said Gachora.

The four amateurs will be part of the Kenyan contingent for the tournament which also includes pros Dismas Indiza, Greg Snow, Mike Kisia, Mohit Mediratta, Samuel Njoroge, Daniel Nduva, Jastas Madoya, Mutahi Kibugu and Njoroge Kibugu.

They will be up against some notable names from the DP World Tour, including the likes of World No. 87 Thriston Lawrence, No.77 Rikuya Hoshino, No. 130 Alex Fitzpatrick. Dylan Frittelli, as well as former Kenya Open winners Justin Harding, Romain Langasque and Ashun Wu, among others.

G4D and MKO players treated with a Safari experience at the Nairobi National Park. the Magical Kenya Open tournament will be held at Muthaiga Golf Club from 22nd-25th February 2024.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The Magical Kenya Open (MKO) part of the DP world tour and Golf for Disability (G4D) circuit players and teams have been treated with a Safari experience in the iconic Nairobi National Park by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) ahead of Magical Kenya Open which kicks off tomorrow, 22^nd -25^th February.

KTB seeks to position Kenya for both sports tourism and leisure with the excursion being part of a strategy to leverage international events hosted in Kenya and the appeal of the sports personalities with a global appeal.

KTB Ag CEO John Chirchir says that the park excursion provided a unique opportunity for the players to experience the incredible wildlife and nature that Kenya has to offer beyond the greens. “We are glad to host the Magical Kenya Open yet again in Nairobi. Experiential tours like these offer us an opportunity to showcase Magical Kenya’s diverse attractions,” Chirchir noted.

The CEO noted that Nairobi is fast becoming a magnet for international golf and sporting events such as the Magical Kenya Open (MKO) setting the capital at par with the world’s best.

“Nairobi offers a winning combination of world-class hospitality, breathtaking natural attractions, and sporting facilities that make it perfect for hosting global tournaments like the Magical Kenya Open. Additionally, we have golf courses in other parts of Kenya that attract global events such as the Magical Kenya Ladies Open hosted recently at the PGA Baobab Course in Vipingo Ridge,” he said.

He added that last year’s recognition of Nairobi by Lonely Planet puts Nairobi firmly in the spotlight and leveraging opportunities like the Magical Kenya Open was integral in showcasing Kenya’s tourism credentials to the world.

On the golf tournament, Chirchir stated Kenya was privileged to host a tournament of such stature given its huge global viewership. “With broadcasts reaching over 490 million homes in more than 150 countries, the Magical Kenya Open provides exceptional exposure for our beautiful country.  We are proud that the competition will be held at the Muthaiga Golf Club for the third straight time, marking the fifth staging of a full European Tour event in Kenya since it was added to the elite series in 2019,” he commented.

Australian G4D golfer Lachlan Wood expressed delight at the game drive which he noted opened him up to the magical side of Kenya beyond the greens. ” The game drive at the Nairobi National Park was a perfect way to enjoy Kenya. I enjoyed the fantastic course, and this was a chance to relax and experience Safari wildlife in their natural habitat. I love the weather here and the people are very welcoming. He spoke.

The Magical Kenya Open – the biggest men’s pro golf event in Eastern and Central Africa – will be held at the Muthaiga Club Nairobi from the 21st to the 25th of February 2023.

So far, 144 golfers will be taking part in the 2024 Magical Kenya Open, which is part of the DP World Tour. The competition also featured the first Golf for the Disabled Tournament with England’s Kipp Popert clinching victory.