Vipingo Ridge golfer Adel Balala will be going for a hat trick when Kabate Open, the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) tees off on Friday morning at the par 72 Vet Lab Sports Club.
Balala, who has not recorded any wins this season, will be banking on experience to retain the title he won last year after defending the 2021 edition.
“It will be a big day when I tee off on Friday, chasing my third title in a row. It will be exciting if I win the title,” Balala said on Thursday.
The event has attracted top amateurs from across the country as they chase for a slot to the Magical Kenya Open set for February next year at the Karen Country and Golf Club.
“Kabete Open has been an amazing tournament for me and I hope to have a good run for the three days. The competitive nature of the tournament makes it entertaining,” said Balala.
Last year, Balala fired four over par 220 (72, 70 and 78) for the title ahead of KAGC champion John Lejirma — 223 (80, 70, 73) with Danny Chelogoi coming third — 225 (76, 73, 76).
Lejirma, who won the Nyanza Open last weekend and leader Michael Karanga will seek to thwart Balala's ambitions.
Karanga, who finished joint sixth at the annual Egypt Amateur Open on Tuesday, will be out to consolidate his points.