As anticipation fills the air for the commencement of the fourth edition of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO) today, the Kenyan ladies’ team is upbeat about their better performance this year.
This prestigious five-day international golfing event, scheduled from February 8 to 11 at the PGA Baobab Golf Course at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County has successfully attracted top-tier talent from the Ladies European Tour (LET).
At least 108 players from across the world will be battling for prize money of €300,000 (Sh52 million).
The lineup includes seasoned veterans, promising rookies, and past champions, all converging on the Baobab Course for what promises to be a captivating display of skill and sportsmanship.
The Kenyan team, comprising the talents of Naomi Wafula, Kellie Gachanga, Mercy Nyanchama, Channelle Wangari, and Jacqueline Walter, is geared up for the challenge.
Wafula, having etched her name in history during last year’s MKLO by securing a cut, is driven by the ambition to surpass her previous accomplishments.
“Last year marked a significant milestone for me as the first Kenyan to make the cut at the Ladies European Tour. This year, my aim is not only to secure a cut but to showcase my best golf and secure a formidable position among the 108 competitors,” she said.
This is her fourth time featuring at the Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO).
She said she is happy that this year there are five Kenyan ladies in the tournament.
“It feels good that now we are five Kenyans playing against over 100 golfers from all over the world. So, it’s really motivating for us especially since we have two juniors who are playing,” she said.
Wafula said she is confident about her chances of a better performance this year.
“Yes, I have a good chance. I’ve played alongside these remarkable ladies. After making the cut last year, I received an invitation from Ucom to participate in the Amundi German Masters, which opened doors to six more invites. This experience has provided me with valuable insights and familiarity with many of the participants,” she said.
Reflecting on her growth, Wafula added, “I’ve garnered knowledge and experience, so this tournament is not uncharted territory for me. I’m genuinely looking forward to this challenge.”
The Magical Kenya Ladies Open, the exclusive women’s professional golf tournament in East Africa, holds the prestigious position of serving as the opening event for the 2024 Ladies European Tour (LET) calendar.
The 2023 MKLO saw Aditi Ashok from India clinch victory with an impressive nine-shot lead.
Notable participants in this year’s edition include Alexandra Försterling (Germany), the 2023 VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open and 2023 Mallorca Ladies Open champion, and Kristýna Napoleaová from the Czech Republic, the 2023 Amundi German Masters champion.
Others are Alice Hewson from England (2023 MKLO runner-up), April Angurasaranee from Thailand (third-place finisher in 2023), and Swedish sensation Lisa Pettersson, who achieved a memorable hole-in-one last year.