Kenyan golfers out to end the jinx as MKO beckons

The tournament tees off Thursday, February 19, and runs through to Sunday, February 22, bringing together top talent from across Africa and beyond for four days of intense competition.

This year’s tournament has attracted a field of 144 players from more than 25 countries, with Kenya set to be represented by 12 local pros, who are eager to break the duck after a poor run on home soil in previous editions.

Mutahi Kibugi, a professional golfer representing Team Kenya in the DP World Tour-sanctioned tournament, describes the event as a massive event, and the investment that has been pumped into it is worth it.

However, he notes that Kenyan professionals have not had enough tournaments to prepare in the past and that the lack of consistent competition is one of the reasons a local pro has never won this tournament.

His observation underscores the gap Kenyan golfers are determined to close this week.

Another Kenyan golfer in the team, Mohit Mediratta, shared his mind set ahead of the tournament, saying, “You don't go into a tournament to just take part. Obviously, we enter the tournament to win and to do our best.

“So I'm trying not to control the outcome, really stick to my process and let the Almighty deal with the outcome.”

While local golfers aim to make their mark, the field is tough, as another Kenyan pro Greg Snow, says, “Playing in the Magical Kenya Open is playing against the best players in the world. It is going to be a tough week.

“We are prepared enough for this tournament.”

As the first drives echo across the fairways, the spotlight is on Kenya's golfers to deliver strong performances, inspire fans, and possibly break the long standing barrier of a local win.

With skill, strategy, and determination, this year's Magical Kenya Open is as much a test of courage as it is of golf.