Makokha headlines amateur field for Kenya Open and Savannah Classic

Elite amateur golfer Isaac Makokha will, for the first time, feature in the prestigious Magical Kenya Open and the newly introduced Savannah Classic alongside five other amateur golfers who are currently sharpening their grooves for the two events. 

Makokha will play alongside Limuru Club's Paul Muchangi, Royal Nairobi's Jay Sandhu, Muthaiga duo of Mutahi Kibugu and Taimur Malik and Tanzanian Victor Joseph. 

Muchangi is the winner of the Kenya Amateur Matchplay in 2019, an event won by Makokha in 2020. Sandhu won the 2020 edition of the Kenya Amateur Strokeplay Championship won in 2019 by Tabzania's Joseph for the tickets. Kibugi and Malik are at the helm of the Junior Golf Foundation order of Merit at first and second positions respectively.

VetLab's Makokha will be the first hearing-impaired golfer to feature in the Kenya Open. The 29-year old was the last man standing from a field of 108 amateur golfers, including 19 juniors, who teed off in the 8-round Matchplay Championship hosted at his home club in September last year. Against all odds, the deaf golfer defeated Sandhu 3 and 2 in the final.

"This is just the beginning of my journey to greatness. I now have a ticket to Kenya Open and I will not be featuring in that competition to try and win. I am going for the top position," a visibly elated Makokha, through his translator Winnie Adoyo, said after booking his slot to the Open last year. 

Meanwhile, Sandhu, who booked his ticket a month after Makokha during the 2020 Strokeplay Championship held at his home course has been playing in the Safari Tour as part of his preparation for the Open and Classic. 

"My shot game and putting are good. I only need to work on my Iron play and I will be unstoppable at the Open," Sandhu offered in an interview further confirming that he will be playing in the final Safari Tour event at Karen from February 20 to 24. Makokha has also confirmed participation at the ultimate Safari Tour leg.