Magical Kenya Open 2023: Kenyan contingent to step up training at Windsor Classic

Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club resident pro Rizwan Charania practices ahead of the second leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series dubbed the Windsor Classic, that tees off at the venue on Friday.[Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Local pros and amateurs will use the second leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series that tees off at par 72 Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club on Friday to step up training for the 2023 Magical Kenya Open(MKO).

Kenya has a strong line up composed of eight pros and six amateurs who have qualified for this year's MKO slated for Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi on March 9 -12.

Apart from the eight pros and the six amateurs to represent the country at the MKO, seven ladies, 22 pros and 90 amateurs from across the country have registered for the three-day second leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series, dubbed the Windsor Classic, bringing total number of participants to 126.

"We are happy with the turn out. It's the first time the pros have been included in the annual series and we can't wait to see how this turns out," Windsor resident pro Rizwan Charania told Standard Sports.

"Going forward, the amateur golf series will feature the pros, this kind gesture has been made possible with the help from the Kenya Golf Union (KGU)," Charania explained.

Ahead of the event, the players have been cautioned about the last five holes of the back nine that meanders on water hazards and bunkers.

"These are the sections where the tournament will be either won or lost," Charania warned.

The winning amateur will go home with Sh450,000 while the triumphing pro will walk away with Sh250,000.

The winners of various categories in the event will share a total of Sh1 million-purse money.

KGU's Tournament and Rules Official Referee David Kihara explained the Windsor course has been well prepared and is ready to host the high profile event.

"All the pros, the ladies and amateurs tees have been well set. We are confident the competition will run smoothly," said Kihara.

Among the ladies to take part at the Windsor event are Vipingo based Naomi Wafula who was the only Kenyan who made the cut at the just concluded Magical Kenya Ladies Open held recently in Kilifi, Nancy Wairimu of Golf Park and Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club.

Series defending champion Jay Sadhu of Muthaiga Golf Club will be among the amateurs to watch at Windsor.

Kiambu Golf Club player Michael Karanga who won the first leg of the series, dubbed the 2023 Sigona Bowl, in January with a course record of 10 under par 62 will also be another wonder to watch on the pristine Windsor fairways.

Those who have come on board to support the Windsor tournaments are the Glenlivet, Thika Motor Dealers, Mi Vida Homes and the Car Soko who have sponsored the Hole In One prize.

Kenyan amateurs for the 2023 Magical Kenya Open-Njoroge Kibugu, John Lejirma, Jay Sandhu, Dennis Maara, Daniel Kiragu, Adel Balala

Kenyan pros for the 2023 Magical Kenya Open-Jastas Madoya, Greg Snow, Samuel Njoroge, Mike Kisia, Mutahi Kibugu, Simon Ngige, Dismas Indiza, Daniel Nduva