Highly anticipated Ruiru Open will tee off today at the Ruiru Sports Club, drawing top lady golfers from across the region in a battle for supremacy.

The three-day tournament which has been organised by the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) marks the first time the club is hosting the prestigious 54-hole event, a key fixture in the Golfer of the Year (GOTY) series. 

Defending champion Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club faces stiff competition from elite players, including three-time GOTY champion Mercy Nyanchama of Njoro Golf Club, former Eldoret Lady Captain Esther Chumo as well as Golf Park’s Margaret Njoki.

Nyanchama and Chumo are currently tied at the top of the leaderboard with 20 points each, while Njoki follows closely with 18 points. 

The tournament, according to the organisers, introduces an exciting twist this year with a 36-hole subsidiary event running alongside the main 54-hole World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) competition, expanding opportunities for more golfers to showcase their skills.

Similarly, the event has attracted top amateurs from Uganda and Tanzania, setting the stage for a thrilling regional contest. 

Lady Captain Rodah Mukami expressed confidence in the course’s condition, assuring players of a challenging yet rewarding experience. “The course is in top shape, and we are ready to make it a memorable event,” she said. 

Nyanchama who is eager to extend her reign welcomed the competition, saying, “I’m excited to participate and looking forward to a weekend of great golf, camaraderie and good competition.”