Muthaiga Golf Club’s Mutahi Kibugu is relishing the chance to play against his brother, Njoroge for the third time at this year’s Kenya Open that tees off Thursday at the Magical Kenya Open.
On Monday, Mutahi delivered a solid performance at Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club’s par-72 course, shooting a fine two-under-par 70 to lead the final five Kenyan local pro qualifiers for this year’s DP World Tour event.
After finishing 12th at last weekend’s Rwanda Open, Mutahi seems to have regained top form at the right time following his earlier struggle to finish among the top eight during the 9Ubet-sponsored Magical Kenya Open qualifying rounds at Muthaiga and Sigona.
Reflecting on his return to form, Mutahi expressed satisfaction with his progress.
“My golf has started to take the shape I really want after an on-and-off form the whole of last year. And I am particularly delighted that I will be playing in the Kenya Open along with my young brother, Njoroge Kibugu, for the third time,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenge ahead, but emphasised his familiarity with Muthaiga Golf Club, which he considers his home course.
“I will try and take it easy during the Open, particularly in the first two rounds. I have not practised at Muthaiga lately, and I may not have a full 18 holes tomorrow (Tuesday), but Muthaiga is my home course, and I know what to do,” he said.
Mutahi’s qualification came after he edged out Golf Park’s Alfred Nandwa and Eric Ooko by a single shot in the qualifying event organised by the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK).
Final five local pros qualify as Kenya's line-up now complete
The final two qualifying spots were determined through a tense two-hole playoff involving Nyali’s Daniel Nduva, Nanyuki’s Simon Njogu, and Railway’s Mike Kisia. The playoff, held on Windsor’s first and 18th holes, saw Nduva and Njogu secure their places after both parred the 18th, while Kisia bogeyed and was eliminated.
A total of 29 professionals had initially entered the qualifier, although five withdrew after playing nine holes.
Kenya’s professional contingent for the Magical Kenya Open now includes Njoroge Kibugu, Greg Snow, David Wakhu, Samuel Njoroge, Dismas Indiza, Mohit Mediratta, Riz Charania, Edwin Mudanyi, Mutahi Kibugu, Alfred Nandwa, Eric Ooko, Daniel Nduva, and Simon Njogu. The amateur lineup features Michael Karanga, John Lejirmah, Joseph Cwinyaai from Uganda, William Odek, Shashwat Harish, and Adel Balala.
Kenyan professionals won the battle to have five more slots at MKO last Thursday after threatening legal action against MKO Local Organising Committee (LOC) for denying them the slots.
Their wish was granted after an impromptu zoom meeting that was attended by officials from European Tour that is also known as the DP Tour, MKO LOC, Kenya Golf Union (KGU), Kenya Golf Federation (KGF) and PGK.
MKO LOC chairman Patrick Obath and Wangai issued a joint communiqué that partially revealed the status of the agreement between MKO and DP World Tour.
It was clear that MKO and DP World Tour had agreed on an allocation of 22 slots for the regional golfers hence annulling the previous information that the DP World Tour had only given eight slots.
“We are happy to announce that this year’s Magical Kenya Open has created five more spots to the Kenyan Professional Golfers, in so doing exhausting all the agreed invitations (22) available to the region as agreed with the DP World Tour.
“This has taken place after rigorous consultations and discussions whereby the LOC considered the appeal from the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) Board to ensure greater representation of Kenyan professional golfers in the game,” said the communiqué in part.
“Our selection process is competitive and transparent, guided by the standards, rules, and principles established by our partners, DP World Tour,” said the statement, adding that these guidelines meant that those who qualify for the tournament meet the required merits and cut-offs.
A total of 150 players from over 30 countries will participate in this year’s tournament. Meanwhile, Muthaiga Golf Club was a hive of activity as players registered for the Kenya Open. The tournament, which boasts a prize purse of $2.5 million, will officially begin Wednesday with the Pro-Am event sponsored by Kenya Breweries.
By the close of registration Monday, at least half of the 144-player field had confirmed participation, with many more expected to sign up before the deadline.
Among those already listed was Kenya’s senior professional, Dismas Indiza, as well as Njoroge Kibugu, who is keen to improve on last year’s performance after missing the cut.
Also registering was the newly crowned Rwanda Open amateur champion, Michael Karanga, who expressed his confidence ahead of the competition.
