I am working smart and steadily to win Kenya Open: Balala

After a stellar performance at the invitational Abu Dhabi Amateur Championship held at the par 72 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, finishing in eighth place two weeks ago, Adel Balala says the focus now is on winning the Magical Kenya Open. 

Balala bagged a ticket to the European Tour event after winning the Kenya Amateur Stroke-Play championship in Nakuru and is set to lead the amateur golfing contingent at the Open. 

Adding to his top form, the Nyali-based golfer won the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) title, playing on home soil in the final leg, to stamp his authority as Kenya's top amateur golfer. 

In Abu Dhabi, the championship happening two days after his KAGC win, Balala shot two under-par 214 after three rounds of golf for eighth place. 

"Winning the KAGC title was an amazing performance. It meant alot to me to dominate in such a manner to prove to myself and the golfing fraternity that i have what it takes to compete against the best in the world," said the golfer. 

Asked on what lessons he picked from his Dubai outing and the KAGC legs in the lead-up to the finale, Balala offered. "Golf is a game of constant improvement. There is always a lot to improve. Winning the Kenya Open is the main Goal and I am working smart and steadily to achieve it." 

To continue preparing for the Open, Balala says he is looking forward to the remaining Safari Tour events as well as amateur events abroad to get ready competitively. 

The Nyali resident golfer remains non-committal on plans beyond the 2 to 6 March Open. "I am looking forward to competing at high level, that is it. I will try and perform very well on the Kenyan and International scene regardless of whether as an amateur or professional. That remains my number one priority."