Kenya Open: Kibugu restores Kenya’s pride with semis cut

In scenes reminiscent of last year, Kenya’s pro golfer Mutahi Kibugu repeated the feat of his younger brother Njoroge Kibugu in 2021 when he had a lifesaver birdie in the last hole to make the cut for the weekend after two days of success on the Par 71 Muthaiga Golf Course.

He played level par after finishing 3 under 68 on Thursday and 71 Friday to finish on a total of 139 in Round 2. It was a crucial birdie at the end following a disappointing double bogie in the notorious 17th hole.

“I am so happy and elated to do it at the last hole just exactly a year after the feat of my brother and in front of the crowd. It was a relief after the blip in the 17tgvhole which I did not get a proper line to. I will go home and rest and prepare for the weekend and this gives me pride. I want to thank all my coaches, family and fans without forgetting my friend and caddy Edwin Mudanyi who without him, I would not be standing here,” an excited Mutahi who was speaking to the media afterward- said.

Kibugu has three bogies ND a double bogey in holes 1,6,8 and 16. Similarly, he had five birdies on holes 3,49,15 and 18. He also posted a level par on nine holes which he admitted later was a bit of a scare until he finally sunk the all-important birdie just across the clubhouse much to the cheer of the fans including Sports Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke.

Meanwhile, amateur star Njoroge Kibugu failed to deliver as last year when he finished on +2 (73).In want was a visible disappointment to him. The youngster who had a sizable following backing him dropped seven shots which included three-double bogeys and a bogey. To his credit, however, the 20-year-old still retains the best finishing Amateur player after finishing on +1 Friday with both rounds ending him on a total of 144.

Other Kenyan players suffered once again from the more experienced visitors. Home club player Greg Snow once again failed to make the cut at his backyard finishing on a +3 (74) after making par in Round 1. Snow only managed two birdies against three bogeys. On his part Simon Mburu of Thika Sports Club +4(69) while Samuel Njoroge ended on a +5 (73) score.

The leaderboard meanwhile has shifted overnight with South African World No.468 Jayden Schaper taking a healthy -7 (60) score.