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2mon agoCHARLES MGHENYIGolf
Patrick Obath in recent action.
The Magical Kenya Open has expanded its local representation, awarding five additional slots to Kenyan professional golfers ahead of the tournament’s tee-off next weekend at Muthaiga Golf Club.
With this move, Kenya will now field 13 professionals while regional pros will have three spots, bringing the total to 16 regional professionals.
Additionally, six amateur golfers will join the professionals, rounding off the regional tally to 22 players.
The decision follows a strong push from the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK), which had written to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) demanding more representation—even threatening a boycott if their appeal was not met.
In a joint statement signed by LOC chair Patrick Obath and PGK chair CJ Wangai, the officials confirmed the inclusion of the five extra players, citing the Magical Kenya Open’s significance as a premier global golf event.
“Considering that the Magical Kenya Open is a unique tournament that brings together various stakeholders, we are pleased to announce the addition of five more Kenyan professionals.”
The statement further emphasised that all 22 available regional invitations have now been allocated in agreement with the DP World Tour.
“In so doing, we have exhausted all the agreed invitations (22) available to the region as agreed with the DP World Tour,” the statement read.
The LOC clarified that the selection process for the event remains competitive, transparent and merit-based, ensuring that all players meet established cut-offs and qualification standards.
“The Magical Kenya Open does not exclude any players based on prejudice or bias. Our selection process adheres to the high standards set by our partners at the DP World Tour to maintain the tournament’s quality.”
Beyond the action on the fairways and greens, the tournament is set to inject Sh903 million into Kenya’s economy.
“Kenya is set to benefit from a Sh903 million injection within the set days of the event. Hotels are currently fully booked in Nairobi and its environs.”
The total prize purse for this year’s Open remains Sh322 million, unchanged from last year, with the tournament set to be televised globally.
This year’s Magical Kenya Open field will feature 150 players from over 30 countries, promising a world-class competition on Muthaiga’s pristine course.
