The more, the merrier at Magical Kenya Open
Golf
By
Ochieng Oyugi
| Feb 13, 2025
The race for the 2025 Magical Kenya Open (MKO) title is gathering steam with the latest entries of three former champions led by 2024 winner and Chinese golf sensation Ashun Wu.
The other two who have put their lives on the line in the tournament set for Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi on February 20-23, are 2014 winner Jake Roos of South Africa and 2018 champion Lorenzo Gagli of Italy.
"The three now join five past champions for the title race making this year's event to be the tightest in the championships' 56-year history," Tournament Director and Local Organizing Committee Chairman Patrick Obath told Standard Sports.
Obath was speaking at a ceremony where Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) sunk Sh40 million to support this year's event.
"We are proud to renew our partnership with the Magical Kenya Open. As a long-standing supporter of golf in Kenya, we are committed to providing fans with a bespoke and memorable experience at the tournamen," KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti said.
"We look forward to bringing excitement to the tournament village and promise fans an unforgettable time."
The other five past tournament champions who confirmed their entries last week are Darius Van Driel (Dutch, 2024), Jorge Campillo (Spain, 2023), Justin Harding (South Africa, 2021), Guido Miggliozi (Italy, 2019) and Sebastian Soderberg (Sweden, 2018).
Locally, Nyali Golf and Country Club hard-hitter Adel Balala has been included into the race by the organisers.
"Balala made his qualification for the MKO last week at Leopard Creek golf course in South Africa where he performed impressively at the just concluded Africa Amateur Championships," Obath said.
Balala, who departed to Rwanda yesterday morning alongside other Kenyan pros and amateurs, now joins Shashwat Harish of Junior Golf Foundation as the two local juniors who will fly Kenya's flag high in the MKO.
Kenya will also have four amateurs in the Muthaiga showdown.
Obath also indicated that Kenya has been granted two more slots in the pro ranks, taking the country's tally representative on the paid ranks to 10.
"We have left the new two pro slots to be decided by the Professional Golfers of Kenya. They are the ones who will give us the names after they have done their deliberations," Obath said.
Obath also indicated that the three remaining regional slots will be decided on February 17 at an MKO Qualifier tournament that is set for Vet Labs Sports Club in Nairobi.
Obath hailed the support they received from KBL saying : "We are delighted for this renewal of their partnership with the Magical Kenya Open as the Official Alcohol Beverage Sponsor. This support will assist us in meeting key obligations, including event logistics and prize-giving. The Magical Kenya Open plays a crucial role in positioning Kenya as a premier international tourism and sporting destination. We look forward to welcoming top golfers and urge Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to support their favorites and showcase our country's hospitality."
MKO past champions who have confirmed entries
2024: Darius Van Driel (Dutch)
2023: Jorge Campillo (Spain)
2021: Justin Harding (South Africa). Also 2021 Savannah Classic champion.
2022: Ashun Wu (China)
2019: Guido Miggliozi (Italy). Also 2019 Challenger Tour winner.
2018: Lorenzo Gagli (Italy)
2016: Sebastian Soderberg (Sweden).
2014: Jake Roos (South Africa)
Kenya's representative at this year MKO
Pros
1.Njoroge Kibugu (Muthaiga)
2.Greg Snow (Muthaiga)
3.David Wakhu (Golf Park)
4.Samuel Njoroge (Kenya Railway)
5.Dismas Indiza (Mumias)
6.Mohit Mediratta (Sigona)
7.Riz Charania (Windsor)
8.Edwin Mudanyi (Karen Country Club)
Amateurs
1.Michael Karanga (Kiambu)
2 John Lejirma (Kenya Railway)
3.William Odek (Nyali)
4.Michael Alunga (Uganda).
Juniors
1.Shashwat Harish (Junior Golf Foundation)
2.5. Adel Balala (Nyali)