Magical Kenya Open: Karen Club passes Tour test

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.