Kiambu-based golfer Mike Ngene will be seeking his maiden title at the Muthaiga Open, which will mark the third leg of the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship series on Friday.
Ngene will be competing in one of the most congested fields with 167 golfers having registered at the close of business on Wednesday evening.
The event has also attracted about 12 golfers from Uganda and others from other nations.
Ngene, who failed to make the cut at the Windsor Classic, said he has rectified his mistakes ahead of the 54-hole Muthaiga Open in the countdown to the 2024 Magical Kenya Open.
He said his main target will be to earn a slot into Team Kenya for various international events or make the cut into the MKO.
“I have rectified the mistakes I made during the Windsor Classic. My main aim is to play well and make a cut into the Kenya team and Kenya Open next year,” said Ngene.
He added: “Last year, I did not play in any amateurs’ events but this year I have already featured in one and I am heading into the second one. This year, money is involved, which is partly a motivational factor.”
The Muthaiga event has attracted amateurs led by the defending champion and club mate Michael Karanga, home players Mutahi and Njoroge Kibugu, Ajay Sandhu, and Vet Lab’s Isaac Makokha among others. He feels a top-ten finish will be great for him.
“I expect the event to be very competitive and I would be happy to finish in the top ten positions after failing to make the cut at Windsor,” he added.
The tournament will also feature top women golfers led by Naomi Wafula, Belinda Wanjiru, Mercy Nyanchama, Ashley Awuor, Margaret Njoki, Diana Mbuba, Jackie Walters and Mwongeli Nzioka among others.
This year’s KAGC events will also feature professional golfers who will be seeking to improve their swing ahead of top professional golfing events.
Muthaiga Open is the third meeting after the journey started off with Sigona Bowl and Windsor Classic. Karanga won both events.
