Kibirige eyes Magical Kenya Open qualification

Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Course professional Marvin Kibirige is determined to secure a spot in this year’s Magical Kenya Open, set for February 20-23 at Muthaiga Golf Club.

Kibirige will compete in the sh9.1b prize-money event if he successfully navigates the qualifying round on February 17 at Vetlab Golf Club in Nairobi.

He will be vying for one of the two slots allocated to non-Kenyan nationals outside the main DP World Tour qualification categories.

Unlike last year, when Ronald Rugumayo and David Kamulindwa earned their spots through the Safari Tour events, the absence of an organised qualifier left many Ugandan professionals uncertain about their chances.

As a result, some opted for the Rwanda Open instead. It remains to be seen whether, after competing in Kigali, any will make the quick turnaround to Vetlab for the qualifier, which takes place just two days later.

Eight Kenyan professionals have already secured their places following a 72-hole qualifier at Muthaiga last month. Among them are Njoroge Kibugu, Greg Snow, David Wakhu, Samuel Njoroge, Dismas Indiza, Mohit Mediratta, Riz Charania, and Edwin Mudanyi. Last year, Rugumayo made history as the first Ugandan to make the cut at a DP World Tour event.

Uganda’s top amateurs, including reigning national champion Reagan Akena and Michael Alunga, could also receive invitations to compete.

Additionally, a group of Ugandan amateur golfers who qualified through last year’s Uganda Open Absa Pro-Am tournament are gearing up for the event.

They include Philemon Akatuhurira, Ronald Pulle, Peace Hellen, Christopher Magezi, and Apollo Segawa, along with Anthony Agaba, Joshua Odong, Henry Ssali, Peter Kisembo, and Ernest Wasake.