Days after an impressive performance in South Africa, Kenya’s leading amateur golfer, Michael Karanga, is set to compete in the 2025 Rwanda Open.
Karanga, the reigning Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series winner, led the Kenyan charge at the Africa Amateur Championship in South Africa’s Leopard Creek Country Club, finishing eighth with a total score of 291.
He was in the top three after the first three rounds with scores of 68, 70, and 74, but a tough final round of 79 saw him drop a few places on the leaderboard.
Kenya’s national team members John Lejirma and Adel Balala finished tied for 31st place with scores of 311, while Dennis Maara placed 35th at 313.
Elvis Muigua followed closely in 36th place at 315, with John Kamaisi rounding out the Kenyan contingent in 41st place at 333.
Karanga has been preparing rigorously for the upcoming global stage after securing his place in the 2025 Magical Kenya Open by winning the 2024 overall KAGC series title last December.
Speaking exclusively to Golf Score Kenya, he emphasized the importance of these back-to-back tournaments in sharpening his game.
“South Africa was a great experience; it was not an easy tournament. I almost brought home that trophy, but luck was not on my side. However, it was a valuable learning experience,” said Karanga.
Now, he is shifting his focus to Rwanda, flying out on Tuesday for the 2025 Rwanda Open, scheduled for February 12–15 at Kigali Golf Resort and Villas.
The tournament has drawn over 100 professional golfers and 50 elite amateurs, all competing for a $50,000 prize purse and 5,000,000 FRW.
Karanga is confident heading into the event, especially after his dominant performance at the same venue during the 2024 Africa Region IV Golf Championship, where he led Kenya to victory for the third consecutive time.
Individually, he posted rounds of 70, 76, 64, and 66 to finish first with a total score of 276 (-12).
“I played very good golf last year in Kigali. It’s one of my favorite courses, and I’m looking forward to better results this weekend,” he said.
The South Africa and Rwanda tournaments serve as crucial preparation for the Magical Kenya Open, set for February 20–23 at Muthaiga Golf Club.
“Playing back-to-back tournaments keeps me in the right mindset for the Magical Kenya Open. I don’t want to just sit and wait for the event—I want to be in peak form, and these competitions will help me get there,” Karanga added.
Joining him at the Magical Kenya Open is fellow Kenyan amateur William Odeck, who secured his spot by winning the 47th Kenya Stroke Play Championship at Nyali Golf and Country Club last August.
Three more amateur golfers are expected to be named soon.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s professional contingent for the Magical Kenya Open includes Njoroge Kibugu, Greg Snow, David Wakhu, Samuel Njoroge, Dismas Indiza, Mohit Mediratta, Riz Charania, and Edwin Mudanyi.
The pros earned their slots after a competitive selection process spanning four rounds at Muthaiga and Sigona Golf Clubs.