2023 Magical Kenya Open first round underway at Muthaiga

The 2023 Magical Kenya Open first round action got underway at Muthaiga Golf Club on Thursday 9 March.

Golfers are teeing off for the 54th edition, after a successful Pro-Am on Wednesday, with a slightly tinkered line-up.

Kenya's John Wangai and Zimbabwean Robson Chinhoi have been accorded a place on the start list.

The Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) captain Wangai and Chinhoi, had missed out initially after the tournament qualifying Safari Tour ranking.

However, they have taken up the positions of Andrew Johnston and Daan Huizing who withdrew from the four-day tournament.

Wangai will tee off with Spaniard Borja Virto, Englishman Tom Murray and Dunham Forest.

The PGK captain joins compatriots Greg Snow, Daniel Nduva, Samuel Njoroge, Justus Madoya, Dismas Indiza, Simon Ngige, Mutahi Kibugu and Mike Kisia.

What you should know about this year’s edition.

This year’s Magical Kenya Open (MKO) will mark the 54th edition of the Kenya Open Golf Tournament which is played as part of the DP World Tour.

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The Course

The course will be an 18-hole course. The front nine holes are laid out across rather than undulating terrain on the other side of Kiambu Road, with the back nine routed around several man-made lakes close to the clubhouse.

Players

This year’s tournament has attracted over 156 golfers from across the world, including nine Kenyan professionals (pros) and 6 amateurs. Among the key international golfers expected to participate in the tournament is defending champion, Ashun Wu from China.

Kenyan Pros in the Kenya Open 2023: Greg Snow (Muthaiga), Daniel Nduva (Nyali), Samuel Njoroge (Railways), Justus Madoya (Great Rift), Dismas Indiza (Mumias), Simon Ngige (Thika Sports) and Mike Kisia (Vet Lab), Mutahi Kibugu (Muthaiga), CJ Wangai (Sigona)

Kenyan amateurs in Kenya Open 2023: Dennis Maara (Limuru), John Lejrima (Railways), Adel Balala (Nyali), Jay Sandu (Kenya Railways), Njoroge Kibugu (Muthaiga), and Daniel Kiragu (Muthaiga).

Prizes

The total prize money for the Kenya Magical Open is Ksh249 million ($ 2 million). In addition to the lucrative jackpot, there is a hole-in-one prize of a BMW X5 from Inchape Kenya for hole 13.

How to follow the action

Those who will not make it to the lush Muthaiga fairways can read the action live on www.mozzartsport.co.ke.