The Magical Kenya Open Pro-Am at the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Club yesterday delivered an exhilarating day of golf, bringing together 192 golfers in a blend of professional and amateur talent.
The event, which was played in the Texas Scramble format, saw remarkable performances across both the morning and afternoon tee-offs.
In the morning session, the standout team was led by pro Ivan Cantero from Spain, who alongside amateurs Tom Gitogo, John Mwendwa, and Ken Monari, posted a brilliant -37 score to claim the top spot.
Close behind in second place was the team led by Frenchman Adrein Saddier, and amateurs Michael Muchemi, Evans Nyaga, and Tobby See, who finished at -36.
Rounding off the top three was the team of South African pro Casey Jarvis, Julius Mungai, Kimoi Moi, and Javier Menchen, who secured a -35 finish.
The afternoon session saw even lower scores, with the winning team of Connor Syme from Scotland, Central Bank of Kenya Governor Kamau Thugge, James Kamau, and Yusuf Omari delivering a sensational -40 finish, the lowest score of the day.
The second-place team, featuring Ashun Wu (the 2022 Magical Kenya Open winner) alongside Adan Mohamed, Louis Otieno, and Peter Mwaura, posted a -31 score, while Andrea Pavan, KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti, Brian Rwabogo, and Robert Ondhowe finished in third place with a -30 score.
Beyond the team performances, the tournament also featured individual challenges that tested precision and power, with the Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive Challenges producing standout performances.
In the morning tee-offs, Kimoi Moi showcased his precision to claim victory in the Nearest to the Pin Challenge in the men’s category, while junior golfer Bianca Ngecu took top honors among the ladies.
The Longest Drive Challenge was a true test of power, with Biqun Su emerging as the men’s champion and Kanana Muthomi dominating the ladies’ category.
The afternoon session saw equally impressive feats, with elite amateur Kellie Gachaga demonstrating her all-around ability by winning both the Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive Challenges in the ladies’ categories.
In the men’s category, East African Legislative Assembly MP Kanini Kega showcased his precision by winning the Nearest to the Pin Challenge, while Erick Nyongesa unleashed his power to take home the Longest Drive Challenge title.
The Magical Kenya Open Pro-Am, sponsored by EABL, through its Johnnie Walker brand offered amateur golfers the rare opportunity to play alongside top international professionals in a world-class setting.
With Muthaiga Golf Club’s pristine fairways and challenging layout, the Pro-Am set the perfect tone for the competitive action that unfolds starting today to Sunday.
EABL hosted the prize-giving ceremony at the Johnnie Walker hospitality tent at Hole 13, an exclusive space that has become a signature feature of the tournament.
With the Pro-Am now concluded, attention now shifts to the main tournament, where top professional golfers from across the globe are battling for glory in one of Africa’s most prestigious golf events.
This year’s edition will see a strong field of 150 elite players from 30 countries competing for a prize purse of $2.5 million (approx. KES 320 million), making it a high-stakes tournament that will test skill, endurance, and mental fortitude.
Kenya has lined up 13 professional golfers, an increase from eight last year, and 5 amateurs with hopes that many will make the cut.
