From the Molinaris to the Elviras, the Magical Kenya Open has always welcomed siblings.
The 2026 edition continues this tradition, but with a distinctly local flavour: Mutahi Kibugu and his brother Njoroge Kibugu, as well as John Wangai and Samuel Njoroge, have joined 144 other golfers from around the world in competing for the top prize of Sh60 million.
These two pairs of siblings learnt the game from their fathers. Wangai and Njoroge were taught by their father, Joseph Chege, while Dan Kagwe introduced his sons, Mutahi and Njoroge, to the game.
Njoroge Kibugu of Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club follows the progress of his shot from 18th hole fairway during the Magical Kenya Open Golf tournament at Karen Golf and Country Club on February 19, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Nacho, 37, and Manuel, 28, Elvira are Spanish brothers who compete on the DP World Tour. They are based in Madrid. They frequently compete together in professional tournaments. Brothers, Edoardo (born 1981) and Francesco (born 1982) Molinari are Italian professional golfers.
The Kenyan siblings have all played in the Kenya Open, the oldest professional golf championship in East Africa, which started way back in 1967. The Italian siblings competed in the Open before it became part of the DP World Tour series.
Mutahi Kibugu of Nyeri Golf Club follows the progress of his tee shot from 16th tee box during the Magical Kenya Open Golf Pro-Am tournament at Karen Golf and Country Club on February 18, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Molinari, the winner of the 2018 Open Championship, was successful in winning the Kenya Open trophy. His brother won the Tusker Kenya Open in 2007, a significant victory that improved his standing, eventually topping the 2007 European Challenge Tour Order of Merit. Nacho and Manuel Elvira also participated in the 2024 Magical Kenya Open at Muthaiga Golf Club.
The 2026 edition has a prize fund of $2.7 million (about Sh348 million) and features 18 local players, including 12 professionals. Among them are the Kenyan sets of siblings. Wangai said he started playing golf at the age of nine, guided by his father, Chege, who had a handicap of 12 at Njoro
“It’s such an achievement that we are both playing in the open. It’s a great feeling,” said Wangai, who is the chairman of the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK).
His brother Njoroge, who belongs to the Kenya Railway Golf Club, started playing golf at the age of seven.
Like Wangai and his brother, the Kibugu brothers, Mutahi and Njoroge, were inspired to take up golf by their father, Kagwe, who was also a golfer. He was based in Uganda, where he served as captain of the Uganda Golf Club on Kitante Road in Kampala.
Njoroge was the first and only Kenyan to qualify for the Kenya Open in 2022. He was 18 at the time and a junior amateur. He started playing golf at the age of three. His game improved when he was five. At the time, he was based at Muthaiga Golf Club.
The Kibugu brothers did well on the local PGK Equator Tour, to qualify for the Open.
Charles Wangai polishes his putting at the practice green during the Magical Kenya Open Golf Pro-Am tournament at Karen Golf and Country Club on February 18, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“Karen has been exceptional for me. In terms of preparation, however, I must say the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing provided Kenyan players with a great opportunity,” he said.
"Coming into the season, I heard the Sunshine Tour was up for grabs. I knew I needed to work hard. I was happy when I secured a place on the Sunshine Tour. I train from 8am to 5pm daily and rest on Sundays,” said Kibugu.
He added, "I put in the work, and I would like to thank my friends who helped me get to where I am today. Taimur Malik, Daniel Kiragu, Mutahi, Ken Mbugua and Dan Chelogoy have all been very supportive. They help me practise."
Samuel Njoroge tees off from 18th hole tee during the Magical Kenya Open qualifiers at Sigona Golf Club on January 31, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
"My team also has my swing coach, who is based in South Africa, and my girlfriend. They have contributed immensely to my game. We have both professionals and amateurs in the team.”
Before the 2026 Kenya Open, they held a training camp to assess their preparations for the upcoming season and events.
"We make a lot of sacrifices to play good golf. I wake up early to go to the gym for up to four hours. I train all day. It’s not easy, but I enjoy it. I’m happy to see the results of my efforts,” said Kibugu.
