Kenya Amateur Golf champion Michael Karanga hoping to build up on his stellar 2023 season as he embarks on this week’s Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship (MKO) starting this morning at the Par71 Muthaiga Golf Club course.
The crack Kiambu Golf Club golfer said he’s got a great feeling after a credible 2023 season which saw him rack up three majors totaling 14 wins.
“As an amateur, I want to make a statement to make my Kenyan fans and sponsors KenGen,” Karanga quipped ahead of the event which ends on Sunday.
Karanga got a shot in the arm when Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) gave him a Sh801,000 boost ahead of the MKO.
He said he wants to make amends after missing cuts in the Kenyan round of the DP World Tour.
“When I played in the last two Kenya Open (2019 and 2021), we lacked the requisite exposure to challenge the foreigners. But after traversing the world and earning the all-important ranking points overseas, I feel confident and better prepared.”
Karanga is currently ranked 76th in the world. He won both the Kenya Amateur Strokeplay and Match-play championships and crowned his 2023 season with victory at the 88th edition of the Ghana Open Golf Championship at the par 72 Centre of World Gold Club in Tema, Ghana.
Karanga is one of the four Kenyan amateurs representing the country in the iconic MKO event alongside Josphat Rono of Golf Park, Isaac Makokha (Vet Lab) and Captain John Lejirma.
He will be taking part in his third Kenya Open and fourth European Tour after gracing the 2021 Savannah Classic in Karen.
During the sponsorship launch at Stima Plaza, KenGen managing director and CEO Engineer Peter Njenga was excited with the MKO deal that will see Karanga promote their brand.
“These are the talents we need to support and we aim to go all the way with Karanga and ensure he fulfills his dreams and brings glory to the country,” remarked Njenga.
Karanga said in finality: “I am very happy with the signs. I have traveled to many countries and I just feel like I am playing well and hitting the ball well. Everything feels good in my game and it is just about getting a bit more competitive golf this week. I need to get a little bit sharper.”
