Kenyan golfers bow out as Magical Kenya Open cut proves elusive

It was a challenging day for Kenyan golfers as the second round of the Magical Kenya Open (MKO) teed off at the prestigious Muthaiga Golf Club yesterday.

Hopes were high for local players to make the cut, but despite valiant efforts, none were able to advance to the final two rounds of the tournament.

Among the Kenyan contingent, Riz Charania emerged as the best performer, carding a total score of 3-over-par 145.

Meanwhile, junior amateur golfer Shashwa Tarish put up a commendable fight, finishing with a score of 4-over-par 136. Despite their efforts, the duo, like their compatriots, fell short of the cut line.

Top Kenyan qualifier Njoroge Kibugu and leading amateur Michael Karanga were also in action, hoping for a strong showing.

Kibugu played level par but struggled with a rough second nine, where he endured three bogeys. He did, however, manage to sink three birdies on his first nine but was set back by a bogey and a double bogey.

Karanga, on the other hand, had a difficult outing, finishing with a disappointing 10-over-par 152.

 Reflecting on his performance, Karanga described the tournament as a "learning curve," vowing to come back stronger in future events.

For the second year running, no Kenyan golfer has made the cut at the Magical Kenya Open, a statistic that raises questions about the state of local professional golf.

The tough Muthaiga course, combined with the high level of competition from international players, proved to be an insurmountable challenge once again.

While the local players faced disappointment, England’s John Parry continued his impressive run. Having been joint-top after the opening round, Parry surged ahead with a superb 6-under-par 65, putting him in pole position with a cumulative score of 14-under-par 128.

Close on his heels is Frenchman Benjamin Hebert, who sits second with a total of 13-under-par 169. South Africa’s rising star rounds off the top three, maintaining a solid 9-under-par 133 heading into the weekend rounds.

With the cut made, 75 professional players will now battle it out over the weekend for the prestigious MKO title.

The final two rounds, taking place today and Sunday, promise thrilling golf action as the top contenders look to cement their positions and claim victory at Muthaiga Golf Club.

Despite the heartbreak for local golfers, the Magical Kenya Open remains to be a platform for Kenyan players to gain valuable experience and exposure on the international stage.

As the tournament progresses, the focus now shifts to who will emerge victorious in one of Kenya’s most prestigious golfing events.