Magical Kenya Open: Karen Club passes Tour test

Sports
By Robin Toskin | Mar 19, 2019
Photo [Courtesy]

Thursday, March 14, 2019. This date will be etched in the hearts of many Kenyan golfers. When Jacob Okello hit the first tee shot on the first tournament hole, he was turning a page in the history of golf in Kenya. At 7.20 a.m. at the magnificent Karen Country Club, Okello’s tee shot announced that Kenya is now ready for the big time in the world of golf.

This was the start of four great days of golf made even more special by the following aspects:

Karen Country Club; the best host

What an incredible honour it was to be the venue of the first ever full European Tour event in Kenya. This being Kenya’s European Tour debut, there was need for a venue that not only offered a great golf course but other amenities as well. Thomas Bjørn, the past European Team Ryder Cup captain described the course as a “thinker’s course”. This was made possible by a great team of green-keeping staff that has great dedication and experience in maintaining golf courses.

Live television broadcast

The final stroke by Guido Migliozzi, the winner of the 2019 Kenya Open on the 18th green, was watched by millions of people around the world. This was made possible by the live coverage of the Magical Kenya Open by European Tour TV and KTN. The team required more than 40 television cameras, about 30 kilometres of cable and many other pieces of equipment to produce a great show.

Great quality of golf on display

Guido Migliozzi, the winner of the Magical Kenya Open 2019, played all his four rounds in the ’60s. He and the other players on the course demonstrated quality golf.

With the European Tour status, the tournament is going to attract some of the best golfers in the world. We can be sure that we will be seeing some great golf right here at home.

Share this story
Wangaya lands April's Player of the Month
Time and again in April, Nairobi United forward needed only a moment to tilt matches in his team’s favour, striking first and forcing opponents to chase.
Why every boxer wants to go to Nakuru
When questions were thrown to boxers on their preferred destination to host crucial boxing championships, most of them fell in love with Nakuru. 
Man City must put pressure on Arsenal, says Guardiola
Pep Guardiola said Manchester City must bounce back against Brentford on Saturday to put pressure back on Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
Kenya ready to host African Taekwondo Championship
Kenya is looking forward to hosting a successful African Police Taekwondo Championship, slated for May 24-31, at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
Carrick says strong finish matters more than his Man United future
Michael Carrick said Thursday he is more worried about Manchester United finishing the season in style than his own future at Old Trafford.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS