He came, saw, and conquered Kenya Open: Italian golfer Gagli bags Sh10m in just four days

kenya open golf championship at the Muthaiga golf club as the championship marks 50th anniversary since inception ,PHOTO JOHN MUCHUCHA

 

President Uhuru Kenyatta awards winner at the end of the four-day championships at Muthaiga golf course.

Italian golfer Lorenzo Gagli is this year’s 2018 Barclays Kenyan Open champion.

The golfer emerged the overall winner of the four-day championships at the par 71 Muthaiga course yesterday evening.

It was not, however, an easy sail for the 33-year-old Gagli, after he finished the final four rounds tied on an under par 11 for 273 gross each with 34-year-old Jens Fahrbring.

Gagli and Fahrbring then went for a play-off at the par four-13th hole, where Fahrbring lost on a bogey shot.

Earlier, Giagli came from behind to take the lead after soaking four birdies with an additional 13 level to recover from a single bogey shot.

BARCLAYS KENYA OPEN President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) present trophy to the overall winner of the Barclays Kenya open golf championship at the Muthaiga golf club. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

 

“It was a very challenging week of playing but it’s great to be the champion,” said Giagli.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was the chief guest, awarded Giagli the winner’s trophy that came with a Sh10 million cheque.’

Fahrbring, who finished second, sank five birdies, levelled 12 holes against a single bogey shot.

Finland’s Kalle Samooja, Nico Geyger from Chile, and German’s Pillipp Mejow, who had a score of 274 each, shared the third spot. Overnight leader and the 2016 champion Swedish Sebastian Soderberg’s hopes of making a historic double at the event were quashed after returning a round total score of 275 gross to finish seventh.

“I love Kenya. The country has always treated me well every time I come here. I promise to come back again and gain. I had played well hoping for better results but the greens were trickier than yesterday,” said Sonderberg.

The Kenyan duo of Windsor’s Riz Charania (on 290 gross) and Sigona’s Mohit Mediratta, who had 292 gross, finished 70th and 71st respectively.

The two, who were the only Kenyans who made the cut in the tournament among the 73 world class golfers, received Sh100,000 each.

“It has been a beautiful experience playing in my first Kenya Open. It was a wonderful time competing at home,” said Charania. “I have done everyone and myself proud.”