KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti presents a Sh40m dummy cheque to Kenya Open tournament
director Patrick Obath
DUTCHMAN Van Driel Darius hopes to crack a second title when the 56th edition of the Kenya Open tournament tees off on February 21 at Muthaiga Golf Club.
Van Driel, who claimed his maiden title with a four-under 67 to finish on 14 under—two shots ahead of Nacho Elvira and England’s Joe Dean—will headline a strong field that includes past champions from the DP World Tour.
Spain’s 2023 winner Jorge Campillo, China’s 2022 champion Wu Ahun Austin, South Africa’s 2021 winner Justin Harding and Italy’s 2019 title holder Guido Migliozzi have all confirmed participation.
Others set to compete include Italy’s 2018 winner Lorenzo Gagli, England’s 2017 champion Aaron Rai and Norway’s Sebastian Soderberg alongside South Africa’s Haydn Porteous, who shared the 2016 title.
Kenya Open Golf Limited director, Patrick Obath confirmed the 2025 edition will feature a reduced field of 144 players, down from the previous 156 last year, due to scheduling constraints and logistical considerations.
He said the change is a result of the difference in time zones, whereby February has longer days compared to initial March dates.
“We have five past winners from the DP World Tour, which shows the strength of this event. Since we joined the DP World Tour, all the winners, including last year’s, will be competing, making it eight past champions in total,” Obath said.
Kenyan representation will be strong with 10 national players set to compete. Professionals Njoroge Kibugu, Greg Snow, David Wakhu, Samuel Njoroge, Dismas Indiza, Mohit Mediratta, Riz Charania and Edwin Mudanyi will lead the local charge, while two additional national players will be announced later.
Three regional players will also feature, alongside three emerging young professionals aged between 20 and 21.
The tournament will also showcase top
Kenyan amateur golfers led by 2024 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC)
winner Michael Karanga and runner-up
John Lejirma.
Strokeplay champion William Odek,
2024 Matchplay champion Uganda’s
Michael Alunga and NCBA Kenya Invitational 2025 top junior qualifier Shashwat
Harish complete the amateur lineup.