Kenyan Njoroge leads East Africa’s charge as the Magical Kenya Open starts
Njoroge, who last made the cut in 2022, had an almost perfect round, punctuated by six birdies, with his only blemish a single bogey on the par-4 eighth, to finish tied 16th with 18 others.
Njoroge Kibugu was the best East African after the first round. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Njoroge Kibugu from Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club opened the 57th Magical Kenya Open at Karen Golf Club with a 4-under 66, the best score among the 18 East African players.
This strong start gives him a good chance to make the cut for the second time in his fifth appearance in the hotly contested event at the par-70 course.
Njoroge, who last made the cut in 2022, had an almost perfect round, punctuated by six birdies, with his only blemish a single bogey on the par-4 eighth, to finish tied 16th with 18 others.
Absa-Uganda-sponsored Rwandan pro Celestine Nsanzuwera from Kigali Golf Club, making his debut in the event, chipped in with a 1-under 69 to also remain within striking distance of the cut. His card was soiled by four bogies despite birdieing holes 6, 7, 10, 11 and 17.
Niklas Lemke tees off during the first round of the Magical Kenya Open at Karen. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
“My game wasn’t up there. My swing off the tees wasn’t good enough, but I’m not under pressure, I can still make it,” Nsanzuwera said.
Another Kenyan, Edwin Mudanyi, playing on his home course, carded a level-par 70 and is tied 85th with 20 others. Mutah, Kibugu, John Lejrima (amateur), and Jastas Madoya all played 1-over 71, while Jay Singh Sandhu (amateur) and Dismas Indiza are 2-over going into the second round.
Samuel Njoroge, David Wakhu, C.J Wangai, Greg Snow, Daniel Nduva, Mohit Mediratta, Mike Kisia, Michael Karanga and Daniel Kiragu, as well as Nigerian Francis Epe, must step or miss out on the cut, which is projected for only those who will play under par. Swedish golfer Niklas Lemke and South African Casey Jarvis tied for the opening round lead with an 8-under 62 each, with Scottish David Law and Kiradech Aphibarnrat from Thailand closely following with a 63 each.
“I’m super pleased with my round. I started with a bogey and thought it wouldn’t be the best round, but turned it around pretty quickly. I was very aggressive off the tees and hit the driver nicely, and I took advantage of that.” Jarvis said.
Leaderboard Top ten
Niklas Lemke (SWE) -8
Casey Jarvis (SA) -8
David Law (SCO) -7
Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) -7
Ayora Angel (SPA) -6
Johnston Ryggs (USA) -6
Lindberg Mikael (SWE) -6
Lagergren Joakim (SWE) -6
Ricardo Gouveia (POR) -6
Jason Scrivener (AUS) -5