Fresh from finishing second at the Karen Challenge, Adel Balala will be seeking to add another title when he tees off in the inaugural Vasco Da Gama Open at Malindi Golf Club this weekend.
At the recent Karen Challenge, Balala finished second behind the winner Njoroge Kibugu.
The Nyali-based golfer said he will be using the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship event as part of his preparations for the All Africa Championships in Cairo, Egypt next month.
“This is part of my preparations for the All Africa Golf Championships and I want to register good results,” said Balala.
Coming from the coastal region, he said he is not worried about the weather conditions because they are less the same and may work in his favour despite the tournament attracting top-notch amateurs from across the country.
“I played on that course when I was seven years old and I believe returning to the same course will tilt in my favour. With such a highly anticipated tournament, good results are what is needed,” he said.
The 36-hole tournament will tee off on Saturday when the golfers will cover the 18 holes before concluding the other half on Sunday.
After the Malindi Open, Balala will also head to Kabete Open next weekend at Limuru for another KAGC event before flying to Cairo for the All Africa Golf Championships.
“The two tournaments are very crucial for me and other players because we are in need of points. But for those traveling to Egypt, they will use the two events as a build-up,” added Balala.
Balala was named by Kenya Golf Union (KGU) alongside captain Dennis Maara of Limuru, John Lejirma (Kenya Railways) and Michael Karanga (Kiambu) to represent the country in Cairo.
The quartet was part of the team that reclaimed the Region VI Golf title in Tanzania early this month. They also went ahead to claim the Victoria Cup title in Uganda. .
