As the 2022 Magical Kenya Open gathers momentum, a surprise name has made the headlines after it emerged that one of the top contenders is a Kenyan teenager, Njoroge Kibigu, who has displayed class in the tournament.
The 18-year-old amateur golfer on Friday, March 4, made a mark after he raked five under par 66 for a total two rounds of six under par 136 to close round two as he finished the day in fifth position.
Kibigus' brilliance brought joy to the local fans as the renowned Kenyan pros kissed the event goodbye. He flew the Kenyan flag high as he proceeded to the final two rounds on March 5 and 6.
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The likes of Dismas Indiza, Samuel Njoroge, Jastas Madoya and Simon Ngige shocked many when they were eliminated from the competition.
The teen golfer has attributed his success to his family and his caddy, Bo Ciera. Ciera is a former Kenya amateur national team captain.
Kibugu noted that Ciera’s experience in golfing has been a key factor to his success so far.
“This good run won’t have been possible without the support of my father, mother and my caddy Bo Ciera who is a former Kenya amateur national team captain. So the experience from Ciera was really key and I was able to put the ball on the fairway.”
“I also had a wonderful company in our game in which we joked and made fun as we tackled the course,” Kibugu stated.
Kibigu was keen to note that he has had an experience of the Muthaiga golf course since he was a child.
"I have played on this course since I was six. So, I have a good knowledge of the course,” he stated.
The player is ranked 751 by the World Amateur Golf Ranking and this is bound to get better if he advances further.
The overall purse is Ksh227 million with the winner of the tournament taking home a whooping Ksh36.5 million, the second place will take home Ksh24 million with the third banking Ksh13.7 million.
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