Two-time champion Esther Henseleit will highlight the Magical Kenya Open that will be staged in February 2023 as the German seeks to defend her title at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County.
Preparations for the event are underway as organisers and Vipingo Ridge aim to make the only women's professional golf competition in East Africa a spectacular tournament.
This will be the third time the tournament is held as Kenya is once again setting the stage for the season-opener of the Ladies European Tour in the February 2-5 event at the 18-hole Baobab Course.
This is the continent’s sole PGA-accredited course and will be preceded by a Pro-Am on February 1. A field of 96 professional players will bid to secure a head start on the Race to Costa del Sol.
Defending champion Henseleit said: “I’m really looking forward to going back to Kenya and defending my title. It’s a special place for me because it’s where I won my first professional tournament and I’ve always found there’s a great atmosphere with many friendly faces. A great way to start the season.”
The MKO will be the first in a series of 39 events on the Ladies European Tour 2023 calendar – the most fixtures ever held on the tour. The competition was first held at the end of 2019 and a second time in February 2022 after a covid-enforced break.
U.COM Chief Executive Officer Dirk Glittenberg said: “Kenya is very special to us. To be able to secure the official kick-off season event in this incredible country once again is a fantastic opportunity. We are very excited to keep growing our enthusiastic family of sponsors and fans.”
Vipingo Ridge chairman, Alastair Cavenagh, added: “We look forward to another fantastic LET tournament in the New Year. Kenya has proven that we can put on world-class golf events and I am delighted that Vipingo Ridge can play its part for a third time in hosting these talented sportswomen from so many countries.
"We know millions of fans will be watching the action in February and so we’ll be sure to put on a great show to ensure our magical destination gets the attention it deserves”.
Announcing the return of the tournament, LET CEO Alexandra Armas said they are thrilled to be kick-starting record-breaking 2023 LET season with the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, which will be the first event on the Race to Costa del Sol.
