Mercy Nyanchama follows her tee-shot during the 2023 Magical Kenya Ladies Open.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

As the anticipation builds for the fourth edition of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO), Kenyan golfers have expressed confidence in delivering an impressive performance at the tournament that is set to unfold at the 18-hole Baobab Course in Vipingo Ridge, from February 8 to 11, 2024.

The only women’s professional golf tournament in East Africa has attracted a field of 108 golfers from around the globe, with the Kenyan contingent comprising of Naomi Wafula, Mercy Nyanchama, Channelle Wangari, Jacqueline Walter, and Kellie Gachaga. The amateurs have been preparing for the LET season opener, aiming to leave a mark by cutting.

Mercy Nyanchama, a four-time participant shared her excitement stating: “I am very excited to be participating in the tournament for the fourth time now. It has been such a great experience, and my hope for this year is to make cut. Playing against top golfers from around the world is an opportunity for me to learn more about the game, and I am sure I will improve my game by watching and learning from them. I have been training here at Golf Park, trying to improve different aspects of my game – importantly, I have been working on my approach shot, which I have been having problems with.”

“I have gained valuable insights from my previous appearances, and they have greatly influenced my preparations for this year’s tournament. The experience fueled my determination to further elevate my game and compete at the highest level. I won the 2023 Karen Ladies Open, which shows that my game has improved. I hope to put up a good showing at this year’s tournament.”

On her part, Jacqueline Walter, a resident golfer and a product of Vipingo Ridge’s PGA Academy, hopes to leverage her familiarity with the Vipingo Ridge course to post a better outing at the tournament this year: “Having competed at the tournament last year, and the fact that I am stationed here, I’m fortunate to be familiar with the course. This familiarity certainly boosts my confidence as I know the challenges and opportunities each hole presents. I am happy to be taking part in the tournament once again, and it is such an honor to represent my country in the tournament. Being part of Vipingo Ridge’s PGA Academy has been instrumental in my golfing journey. The academy provides a world-class training environment with top-notch facilities and expert coaching. The continuous support and resources have allowed me to refine my skills and constantly improve.”

Commenting on her preparedness, she said: “In preparation for this year’s tournament, I have been working on refining certain aspects of my game. Putting has been a key focus, as success on the greens is often a decisive factor in tournaments of this caliber. Physical fitness is another crucial element, and I continue to adhere to fitness routines to ensure endurance and flexibility on the course. The goal for me this year is simply to cut.”

Debutant Kellie Gachaga expressed her excitement stating: “It’s an honor to be part of such a prestigious tournament, and I’m eager to make my mark. The opportunity to compete on the global stage alongside seasoned players is both humbling and inspiring. I’ve been working diligently to prepare for this moment, focusing on improving my skills and embracing the challenges that come with such a high-profile event. I can’t wait to step onto the Course at Vipingo and give it my all.”

Spectators can purchase tickets to the four-day tournament through the online platform www.ticketsasa.com which retails for Sh 500 per day.

Absa Bank Kenya’s Chief Finance Officer, Yusuf Omari follows his tee at the Safari Tour Pro-Am tournament that took place at Muthaiga Golf Club.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Absa Bank Kenya PLC has announced a Sh 15 million investment for the upcoming Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO) Golf Tournament, taking its position as the tournament’s official banking partner.

As part of this investment, Sh10 million will go directly towards the organization of the tournament, while Sh5 million will be utilized for various media and experiential activities to create memorable moments for those attending and following the tournament. With this sponsorship, Absa Bank has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting national development through sports tourism and women empowerment.

The Magical Kenya Ladies Open provides a platform for talented female golfers from around the world to showcase their skills and compete against each other at Vipingo Ridge, one of the most scenic golf courses on the continent. Set to take place from February 8 to 11, MKLO is the first leg in a series of 31 tournaments in 20 different countries that form part of the Ladies European Tour 2024 calendar.

While announcing the sponsorship, Absa Bank Kenya’s Consumer Banking Director, Moses Muthui, said: “We are delighted to play a significant role in Magical Kenya Ladies Open, which presents a unique opportunity for us to tell the stories of determination and resilience by the lady golfers, both locally and globally, while also extending our rich golfing heritage in Kenya.”

He added: “Over the years, golf has not only put Kenya on the global map as a hub for sports tourism but has also fostered the growth of local talent. Building on this success story, we fully appreciate the tremendous opportunities that the Magical Kenya Ladies Open presents, both for nurturing local talent and for stimulating enterprise. We are excited to embark on this journey, where sports tourism and women empowerment go hand in hand.”

As a bank that values inclusivity and empowerment, the MKLO stands as a catalyst for creating a more diverse, accessible, and inclusive stage for women’s golf in the region. In addition, and in recognition of the challenging economic environment, the influx of spectators and visitors also contributes to increased business activity among local enterprises, enhancing Kilifi County’s economic prospects.

‘’We are committed to driving positive societal change by investing in women. As a financial partner, and a force for good, our purpose of Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together … one story at a time, aligns perfectly with the opportunities presented by the MKLO to inspire experienced and aspiring female golfers while impacting the communities through meaningful collaborations,’’ said Mr. Muthui. 

On his part, Mr. Dirk Glittenberg, the Managing Director, U.COM Media, the tournament organizers said: “We at U.COM Events are extremely delighted to partner with Absa, an amazing brand in the financial world. We look forward to growing women’s golf in Kenya and East Africa working with an experienced sponsor and Absa has a lot of experience in the golfing world.” 

The tournament has attracted top golfers, including German Alexandra Försterling who won the 2023 VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open and the 2023 Mallorca Ladies Open, the 2023 Amundi German Masters champion Kristýna Napoleaová from the Czech Republic, 2023 MKLO runner-up Alice Hewson from England, third-place finisher April Angurasaranee from Thailand and last year’s hole-in-one sensation, Swedish Lisa Pettersson.

Five Kenyan amateur golfers have been confirmed for the tournament. The quintet, comprising Naomi Wafula, Mercy Nyanchama, Channelle Wangari, Jacqueline Walter, and Kellie Gachaga will compete amongst a field of 108 participants from around the world in the only women’s professional golf tournament in East Africa.