Asa Dinkins

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Asa Dinkins of Limuru Country Club played an aggregate of 223 gross in the just concluded Sigona Junior Open to emerge the overall winner. This is after warding off stiff competition from overnight leader Krish Shah of VetLab Sports Club and runners-up Elvis Muigua of Kiambu Golf Club. Asa played a score of level par 72 in the final round to win by 1 stroke over Elvis who played an aggregate of 224 gross. Krish Shah played a gross of 225 finishing third overall and first in the Boys 16-18 years. Tanish Gudkha of Muthaiga Golf Club followed closely with a score of 226 gross.

Ali Khimji of Sigona Golf Club got a hole-in-one on Hole No. 11 and played a fantastic score of one over par in the final round.

In the girls 19-21 years category, Faith Ontune won with a gross score of 243 while Ashley Awuor was the nett winner with a score of 224 nett. Channelle Wangari of Vetlab posted the best score among the girls, 238 gross and won in the girls 16-18 years category. Kelvin Kiplenge of Nakuru Golf Club played the best net of 207 and won in the boy’s 16-18 years category. Junaid Manji of Muthaiga played a gross score of 240 to win in the Boys 14-15 years, while Kayden Wissanji played 255 gross to win in the Boys 13 years and under category. Audrey Gachora, also from Muthaiga, played 257 gross to win in the girl’s 13 years and under category.

The tournament attracted 87 boys and girls from across the country who played the first two rounds. The top 48 after two rounds made the cut to the final round on Wednesday. In addition to the awards, the participating juniors get a chance to get World Amateur Ranking (WAGR) points based on their performance.

The Kenya Golf Federation (KGF) Chairman-Mr. Peter Kiguru appreciated the high level of golf displayed on the course and gave the commitment of KGF to support junior golf activities.  The Junior Golf Foundation President-Mrs. Regina Gachora appreciated all the juniors and parents for their participation in the event and expressed JGF’s Vision of having some of the juniors participate in the 2028 Olympics. “We have doubled the number of WAGR Rankings events in 2023 from the current 6 to 12 and we want to give as many juniors opportunities to get ranked,’’ she said.

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.