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Local pros get boost ahead of Kenya Open
Njoroge Kibugu follows the progress of his tee shot during the Magical Kenya Open qualifier on January 28, 2025 at Muthaiga Golf Club.
What you need to know:
- Charles Gacheru, IMG Kenya Limited Managing Director, praised PGK for their initiative in organising the tournament with minimal support. He also highlighted IMG's commitment to Kenyan golf.
- "I want to commend the PGK for their proactivity in organizing these qualifier events by themselves. As stakeholders in Kenyan sports, particularly in golf, IMG Kenya understands the financial challenges many pros face when preparing for such competitive events. We are delighted to offer our support during this crucial time," Gacheru remarked.
Kenyan professional golfers preparing for the 2025 Magical Kenya Open received a much-needed boost on Tuesday as Sports Agency IMG donated Sh240,000 to assist with their preparations and participation in the prestigious DP World Tour event.
The Open will be held from February 20 to 23 at Muthaiga Golf Club.
The Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) have organized a 72-hole pre-qualifying event, where the top eight players will secure spots in the Open, which marks its 58th anniversary this year.
PGK Chairman John Wangai expressed gratitude for the timely support from IMG, highlighting the importance of the event and the qualifier.
"This year, over 50 Kenyan pros are vying for the eight available slots at the Kenya Open. In the absence of any other organized qualifier, the PGK has arranged a 72-hole qualifier at Muthaiga and Sigona Golf Clubs. We are incredibly grateful to IMG Kenya for stepping in to support our pros, as this will enable them to focus fully on their performance without being weighed down by logistical concerns," Wangai said.
Charles Gacheru, IMG Kenya Limited Managing Director, praised PGK for their initiative in organising the tournament with minimal support. He also highlighted IMG's commitment to Kenyan golf.
"I want to commend the PGK for their proactivity in organizing these qualifier events by themselves. As stakeholders in Kenyan sports, particularly in golf, IMG Kenya understands the financial challenges many pros face when preparing for such competitive events. We are delighted to offer our support during this crucial time," Gacheru remarked.
"This engagement marks the beginning of a conversation with the PGK on building a more sustainable partnership to support our professional golfers going forward."
The absence of regular competitive events has hindered the development of Kenyan golf professionals.
Gacheru added, “Since the 2024 MKO, our golf professionals have not had the opportunity to play in regular Pro events at home. This denies them the opportunity to play under competitive conditions and earn a living from their trade. Our small contribution this week marks the beginning of a commitment from IMG Kenya to work with the PGK to ensure consistent events are staged to create a platform for our professional golfers, talented amateurs, and junior golfers.”
Meanwhile, during the first two rounds of the pre-qualifying event at Muthaiga Golf Club, home player Njoroge Kibugu showed excellent form, firing a second five-under 66 to maintain his lead after 36 holes.
His two-round total of 10-under 132 left him three shots ahead of senior pro Dismas Indiza, who shot three-under 68 for a total of seven-under 135.
David Wakhu of Golf Park followed in third place with a 138 total, while Greg Snow from Muthaiga posted a 139. At least eight players had one-under-par or better as they head to Sigona for the final two rounds on Thursday and Friday. The top eight players will qualify for the Magical Kenya Open.