Kenyan representatives in the 2025 Magical Kenya Open are feeling upbeat as the global showpiece begins.

A strong field of over 150 players from 30 countries has assembled at the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Club, ready for action. Kenya has lined up 13 professional golfers, an increase from eight last year, with hopes that many will make the cut.

Leading the professional players are Dismas Indiza and Greg Snow.

Speaking after a putting session at Muthaiga, returning player Nelson Mudanyi expressed optimism about his comeback after missing the last two editions.

Comeback
“It is great to be back, and I am looking forward to a great tournament. I missed the last two editions, but during that time, I have been working on my overall game. It is a strong field, but my goal is to make it into the top 30, and I know it is possible,” said the Betika-sponsored Vetlab Club player.

On his part, fabled golfer Indiza of Mumias Golf Club, despite lamenting a lack of proper practice, welcomed the increased number of Kenyan participants.

“I want to appreciate Kenya Open Golf Limited plus everyone else who enable us to have more players in this tournament from home even though it is still not sufficient.I want to see more of us succeed and make it to the end.For me,it is about finding my rhythm from round one,” Indiza said.

“I have not played much actively aside from my recent participation in the Rwanda Open. All in all, I believe in myself, and I want to give my best and improve on last year’s performance. We are at home, so we need to make our people proud on familiar grounds,” he added, while also pointing out that sponsorship remains a major challenge for professional players.

Heart-warming moment
Eric Ooko of Golf Park told People Sport that his return to the tournament was emotional after narrowly missing the cut in consecutive years.

“I recall missing the cut twice by a small margin, and it was tough. However, now that I am back, I feel happy and ready to go. My focus will be on my game without overthinking,” said Ooko.

“Belief is everything in this sport, so I trust that, by God’s grace, I will be among those who make it to the finish. I have been working on my drive and swing, and so far, it looks good. I urge all fans to come out and support the Kenyan players,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) captain John Lejirma, making his third appearance at the tournament, is aiming to go all the way, citing mental resilience as key.

“I know that with belief, one can achieve anything. My goal is to play until Sunday. I know it is unwise to think too far ahead, given the unpredictable nature of golf, but this is a course we know well. I have played in tournaments to prepare, including the recent Africa Amateur Championship in South Africa and the Rwanda Open, which were great practice for us,” said the Kenya Railways Club player.

“I look forward to making a mark, building friendships, and, most importantly, improving my game against some of the best in the world,” he concluded.