Michael Karanga sets lofty target for Magical Kenya Open

Kenya’s elite amateur golfer Michael Karanga of Kiambu Golf Club has set high goals for his 2025 season after qualifying for next year’s Magical Kenya Open.

His exceptional performance throughout the year saw him claim the overall Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series title after competing in 18 tournaments, winning nine.

Set for 20 to 23 February at Muthaiga Golf Club, Karanga who won his second consecutive KAGC title following his dominant 2023 season where he won 13 of 17 tournaments, says the Open is his opportunity to ‘make history’ for Kenya.

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“Next year at the Magical Kenya Open, I aim to make the cut, or even finish in the top ten, and create history for Kenya,” he said.

With six slots up for grabs for amateur golfers, Karanga bagged an automatic one to the 2025 DP World Tour event, joining William Odeck from Nyali Golf and Country Club and Ugandan Michael Alunga.

Odeck earned his place by winning the 47th Kenya Stroke Play Championship held at Nyali Golf and Country Club in August.

Alunga, a US-based golfer, meanwhile, secured his qualification by triumphing in the 102nd Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship at Windsor Golf and Country Club in July.

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The remaining three slots will be determined in mid-January through the union’s established selection process.

The 2024 Magical Kenya Open showcased a strong lineup of amateur and professional golfers. Representing Kenya among the amateurs were Karanga, John Lejirma, Isaac Makokha, and Josphat Rono.

Professional players included Dismas Indiza, Greg Snow, Mike Kisia, Mohit Mediratta, Samuel Njoroge, Daniel Nduva, Jastas Madoya, Mutahi Kibugu, and Njoroge Kibugu.

Golf Park’s Jacob Okello is the most decorated local golfer in the history of the Open, having reached the final in 1998 when it was part of the Challenge Tour.