Wangai reveals his master plan for Open tournament
Golf
By
Ochieng Oyugi
| Mar 05, 2020
Charles John Wangai has never missed any edition of Magical Kenya Open since his first attempt as an amateur in 2012.
The Sigona golfer has also never reached the next round of the prestigious European Tour event in all his eight attempts.
“This year I’m doing things differently because I’m not expecting the same result. My aim, my mission, my focus is to make the cut on the third day in 2020,” he told Standard Sports.
But how is he going to do it? The 32-year-old has come up with a brilliant game plan.
He will be playing regulation in all the holes at the Karen Golf and Country Club in Nairobi where this year’s edition will be held from March 12-15.
“This means I will strive to limit my shots in each of the holes so I can record a level par in the first two days.
“This will enable me to make the cut and be among the 60 players who will qualify on day three.
“Once you are in the list, automatically you will be in the money bracket,” he said.
The father of two will then play aggressively on the remaining two days as he seeks a top ten finish.
Wangai admits his strategy has been fuelled by the lucrative prize money on offer in the tournament.
Away from the strategy, he has been using the just concluded Safari Tour Series golf to keep fit.
Through the circuit, he was able to finish seventh overall to book a berth for the Open.
“The Safari contest was a saviour, local professionals got opportunity to play at least twice a month.
“It kept us busy, it improved our shots and livelihoods as we were being paid.
“I can predict that we are going to do better in Kenya Open this year than previous editions,” he said.
Wangai also has a weekly personal schedule as he gears up for the Open. He does a 5km run on Mondays at his base in Sigona.
This is followed by a short game involving chipping and puttings before he engages in long game in the afternoon.
He then proceeds to the pristine Karen Course on Tuesdays with his caddy where he tries different shots in various holes for three to four hours.
“I play every hole with different shots, clubs and approach as I take notes which I would revise on the week of the competition.”
Wednesdays are reserved for range work at Sigona while Thursdays and Sundays are for total rest.
He uses Fridays to generate and perfect his master plan for the forthcoming tournament.