MKO: Sibling rivalry as Kibugu brothers take on Muthaiga course

Teenage amateur Njoroge Kibugu is aiming to improve on his impressive performance on home soil last year as he and older brother Mutahi tee it up together for the first time on the DP World Tour at the Magical Kenya Open.

The 19-year-old returns to home course Muthaiga Golf Club 12 months on from being the only Kenyan golfer to make the cut at last season’s event.

The duo is among local golfers at this year’s Magical Kenya open and Njoroge will hope to replicate his form from last year, and better, where he carded rounds of 70-66-73-77.

“It feels great to be back. It is always a pleasure to play on the DP World Tour,” he said. “Looking back, it was actually a surreal experience, hopefully I can do it again but even better this year. It didn't feel real at the time but now I know it actually happened and time moves quick so I'm back here again.

The youngster tells DP World that he caught some heat a few weeks, even six months after. “I was hitting the ball pretty well during the Kenya Open and after it just got better because I was working really hard with my coaches.

It helped with handling pressure, it helped me learn how to win also because I used to shake (with anxiety) in such events but now I don't really feel anything, I feel comfortable now.”

While Njoroge is making his third start in as many years at his national open, 22-year-old Mutahi will experience playing in the tournament for the first time as a professional.  

2023 Magical Kenya Open first round underway at Muthaiga

Mutahi, who turned professional in 2021, missed out on last year’s event and admits watching his brother make his mark inspired him to make sure he had his chance to shine on home soil.  

“He is actually the reason I am here,” he said. “I saw him and said, ‘I want that same feeling’. He motivated me to be here. 

It means everything to me to make my DP World Tour debut as a professional. Dreams come true. I am very excited.”

Njoroge added: “I'm happy for him (Mutahi). It's definitely going to be a fun week, I wish him all the best. He can try to beat me but he won't. We're pretty close, two years apart so we've travelled a lot together, been everywhere together and we're actually almost like best friends.” 

The siblings are expecting “big roars” from the home crowds at Muthaiga, with their parents certain to be rooting for them when play gets under way on Thursday morning.  

“Mum and Dad are proud of us,” Mutahi said. “Dad is probably going to be a bit anxious, it’s going to be fun.”