Magical Kenya Ladies Open returns to Vipingo Ridge for fourth edition

The Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO) returns to the 18-hole Baobab Course in Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County from February 8-11 for the fourth edition of the tournament.

The previous editions took place in 2019, 2022, and 2023.  

Just like in the past two editions, this year's showpiece serves as the season-opener for the 2024 Ladies European Tour (LET) calendar.  

Entries for the tournament opened on January 1 with a field of 108 players expected to compete over four days for a share of Sh52m in prize money, consistent with the previous editions.  

The tournament follows the success of the 2023 edition, where Aditi Ashok from India secured her victory with a remarkable nine-shot lead. Held against the scenic backdrop of Vipingo Ridge, the MKLO promises an exciting start to the LET season. 

The tournament continues to attract top talent from the LET, including rookies, past champions, and emerging stars. 

Among the notable participants who have already signed up for the tournament are; German Alexandra Försterling who won the 2023 VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open and the 2023 Mallorca Ladies Open, the 2023 Amundi German Masters champion Kristýna Napoleaová from the Czech Republic and 2023 MKLO runner-up Alice Hewson from England.

Third-place finisher April Angurasaranee from Thailand and last year's hole-in-one sensation, Swedish Lisa Pettersson have confirmed participation.

Kenya's top amateur golfer, Naomi Wafula, is expected to lead the Kenyan contingent, with additional details about the team to be revealed soon. 

Commenting on the anticipated return of the tournament, U.COM Event Managing Director Dirk Glittenberg said: "We're thrilled about the return of the tournament, and the heightened level of competition is truly promising, considering the exceptional talents it attracts."

"This year's edition is poised to shine in the LET season, spotlighting world-class talent against the stunning backdrop of Vipingo Ridge.

"With an expanded field size of 108 golfers, up from 96 in the previous edition, we anticipate another year of outstanding competition, building on the high standards set last year," he said.  

The event will be broadcast globally, providing fans worldwide the opportunity to witness top-level golf.

The LET is set for another historic year, featuring 31 events spanning 20 countries.

The highlights will include the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Solheim Cup in Gainesville, Virginia, and the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews, which will be the final qualification event for the European Solheim Cup team. 

Following the MKLO, the series will continue its journey, making stops in Saudi Arabia before heading to Morocco for the prestigious Lalla Meryem Cup.