Justin Harding will be facing a tough challenge at Muthaiga Golf Club as he makes his return to the Magical Kenya Open, where he won a career second DP World Tour title at Karen Country Club.
Harding’s impressive record in this event goes further than just his victory in 2021, having finished joint second and a shot behind winner Guido Migliozzi of Italy when the event was first included on the DP World Tour schedule in 2019, following 26 editions as a Challenge Tour event between 1991 and 2018.
Harding puts it down to his love for Kenya and says he believes playing historic events of the MKO calibre is important in shaping him into an all-round player.
The South African has previously expressed his desire to play golf in Kenya and has been quoted numerously as saying the people are just super-friendly and hospitable.
“I think the crowds are always great, I’ve loved my time here. They’re very welcoming, they embrace the Kenya Open, it’s got a lot of rich history and it’s always a well-supported event," Harding told European Tour media two years back.
Harding will be relishing that challenge and will be hoping to repeat his 2021 heroics at Muthaiga.
His first DP Tour win was delivered in Qatar and it will be exciting for the South African professional to get another opportunity in Kenya albeit on the other course in Muthaiga.
MKO’s tournament director Patrick Obath confirmed Harding’s entry, saying he will be one of the leading players in Nairobi.
“With an additional US$500,000 to the prize purse of US$2.5 million, we expect a very tough field. Harding is one of the star attractions and we hope that all the players listed for the event will turn up. With all the good attractions before the event, we believe the excitement will be on another level. ,” Obath said.
Obath continued: “This year’s event, unlike last year, will feature nine Kenyan pros and three from the region.
"This is because two amateur slots have been taken back and given to professionals as a Kenyan duo will be participating in South Africa for the African championship—the same time Kenya Open will be happening, hence the change.”
Amateurs Dennis Maara and Adel Balala-earlier earmarked for the MKO, will be away in South Africa for the continental event.
The Magical Kenya Open will, for the first time, feature a golf tournament for the disabled — part of the European Tour’s eight-leg G4D Tour — from February 19-20.
The G4D event will curtain-raise for the main draw, set for February 22–25 at the Muthaiga Golf Club.
