Kibugu rues final day mistakes, optimistic of better show next year

Kenya’s lone professional on the course Sunday, Mutahi Kibugu finished tied 66th on one under par  283 as the 56th edition of the Magical Kenyan Open came to a close at the Par 71 Muthaiga Golf Course yesterday.

He was the only local player to make the cut after the first two rounds, emulating his younger brother’s feat last year.

“My putts just did not work in today’s round and so it was frustrating out there. However, looking back, I believe I gave my all and I can stand proud having done great in this tournament which had a very competitive field. Obviously there is a lot to improve on but ultimately I pick the positives as well. I have learnt a lot and hope to implement them in the future,” he told People Sport.

He added: “Being my first time in the European Tour, I see the levels are very high which is a good thing. I want to thank my family who gave me an opportunity to be here, Muthaiga Golf Club, our sponsors and the government as well. I can only pray that we get a lot of high calibre tournaments locally so that our players can benefit and compete effectively with the foreign guys.”

Mutahi who carded 73 had a difficult day with his short balls and putts not hitting home. Since shining on the cut with a -3 (68) on Round 1, he had a double par in Round 2 and 3 before his -2 finish on the final day.

The 24 year old tournament debutant playing at his home club in front of a fervent crowd,started bright with a birdie off the first hole but in the second hole faulted dropping two shots in a double-bogey mistake.

In the next three subsequent holes he hit par shots before another exquisite birdie came through in hole six.Another three consecutive par shots followed for the youngster who was being caddied by a fellow pro, Edwin Mudanyi.

Two bogies later in succession complicated things for Mutahi but the crowd were still chanting his name and following hima across the 18 holes.

Four pars later onto the 16th hole where he slid back to a bogey,teh always calm and jovial Mutahi seemed irritated with his shots.

However he finished off with a par in hole 17 and a bright birdie in the final hole (18th) in front of the clubhouse where another crowd had gathered before he retreated to hug his parents nearby on the ropes and his caddie as well before waving to the crowd.

His tally for birdies was at an impressive 17 against 12 bogies overall with two double-bogeys in the mix.

He was the only East African to finish inside top 80 in one of the most unpredictable events that had two former champions become early casualties having failed to make the cut.

Soon he will leave for South Africa for the Sunshine Tour alongside his younger brother Njoroge Kibugu-who failed to make the cut this year.