Ho-sung Choi of South Korea plays his shot from the 18th tee during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course on February 07, 2019 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Internet sensation Ho-sung Choi will tee it up in this year’s Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa as he brings his unorthodox swing to a European Tour event.

The South Korean – who became a social media sensation after footage of his “fisherman’s swing” was widely shared online — has accepted an invitation to compete in the East African event, which takes place at Karen Country Club in Nairobi from March 14-17.

The 45-year-old, who taught himself to play golf after reading about the game in magazines, is well-known for his theatrical swing, but also has three worldwide titles to his name – including the Casio World Open which he won in Japan last year.

What makes Choi’s swing so unique is his follow-through, where he lifts his right foot off the ground and swings it around his body before using one of several different finishing moves.

“I can’t wait to compete on the European Tour,” said Choi, who currently sits just outside the top 200 in the world and has played a total of nine European Tour events dating back to 2009.

“I came to golf later in my life, at the age of 25, after some tough experiences. I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity to play golf around the world, and I am fully aware that none of this would be possible without the love and support of my fans.

“I have never been to Africa, but I have heard great things about Kenya and the golf courses there – I can’t wait to test myself against the European Tour players again.”

“We are delighted to have Ho-sung Choi grace the 2019 Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa,” said Peter Kanyago, Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman.

“His unique style of play appeals to numerous audiences around the world, capturing the attention and imagination of both golfers and non-golfers. It is pleasing to note that ardent followers of his distinct style, from across the world, will get to experience the magic of Kenya by following him in action at the tournament.”

Choi will join the likes of 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn and rising star Shubhankar Sharma in Kenya, which will host a European Tour event for the first time this year having been part of the European Challenge Tour’s International Schedule since 1991.

Tickets for this year’s Magical Kenya Open can be purchased via the website www.kenyaopen.golf.

MultiChoice Kenya Communications Manager, Philip Wahome (left) award the overall winner (2019 Captain’s), Patrick Miitii with his prize.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Patrick Miitii played an excellent 44 stableford points to be crowned the overall winner of the 2019 Ruiru Sports Club Captains Prize at the weekend.

He carded two birdies on the 13th par 3 and the 5th par 4 respectively. Mitii saved par on four occasions to help him claim victory over the huge field of golfers.

“It was an excellent day playing at the Captains Prize Golf Tournament, and I really enjoyed playing the shorter holes of the course. The course was in great condition and I’m please to have come out as the overall winner.”

The event which saw over 270 competitors take part was highly anticipated and diverse sponsors including MultiChoice Kenya, Oxygène MCL , Crown Paints among others came out to show their immense support for the Captain.

With the course in great condition and the sun gracing the unforgiving greens, Mwaura had this to say. “I’m glad to see that there was a huge turnout today, from the first tee off at the break of dawn, to last four ball finishing on the 18th, I think it’s safe to say that everyone enjoyed themselves. I most certainly did and we look forward to hosting more of these as the year progresses in order to continuously develop the game of golf in Kenya.”

Mwaura who has been captain for the club since last year has overseen the improvements of the club and it can be said that he has definitely finished on a high which has lead to his extension at the realm for another year.

Jane Mwaura was the lady winner of the day carding in 42 stableford points after recording 22 points on the front nine and 20 on the back nine respectively.

This being her fifth year playing golf, cutting down her handicap to 24, said that “Its always a pleasure playing at my home club and better yet to win is a great honour. I’m very happy with the way I played today and look forward to playing many more tournaments such as today’s, said Jane.

Oxygene MCL Partner Mutahi Mureithi lauded the club for splendid outing reiterating that the company is committed towards nurturing of golf talent in the country.

” This years event was a huge success, we thank the captain and his team for a job well done” said Mutahi.

Winners of the competition were awarded with DSTV Kits that included a DSTV Explora with a fully paid one month subscription. Speaking during the awards ceremony, MultiChoice Kenya Communications Manager Philip Wahome said: We are grateful to Ruiru Sports Club for their support in staging this year’s event, Sports plays an integral role in the world, we are continuously revolutionizing our customers entertainment experience and today’s winers will get unrivaled entertainment with our high end DSTV Explora said Wahome.