Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) series leader Michael Karanga returns to the El Gouna Golf Club in Cairo for this year’s Egyptian Amateur Open over the weekend.
Karanga, who won both the Kenya Amateur Strokeplay and Kenya Matchplay titles, was named alongside Daniel Kiragu to fly the country's flag at the annual tourney set for September 10- 12 in the North African nation.
The Kiambu golfer said he understands the El Gouna Golf Club course very well after competing there during last year’s All-Africa Golf Championships.
“I understand the course very well and I am heading there with the sole purpose of carrying home good results,” said Karanga, who concluded his training on Thursday afternoon before boarding a plane to Egypt the same day in the evening.
Last year, he teamed up with Limuru’s Dennis Maara, Kenya Railways' John Lejirma, and Vipingo’s Adel Balala to catapult the country to third position.
“We are targeting good results and I am sure we will live up to expectations after consistent training and good results in the KAGC,” added Karanga.
KGU’s vice chairman David Ndung’u said the tournament is one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur tournaments in Egypt.
"With a rich history spanning 102 years, the event has always attracted top amateur golfers who compete fiercely for the coveted trophy and valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points," said Ndung'u after unveiling the two players for the Egyptian mission.
He added: "It is the mandate of KGU to develop elite players by providing them with opportunities to participate in high-level international events and giving them exposure beyond our borders."
"We commend Karanga and Kiragu for their dedication, commitment, and hard work in the pursuit of excellence in amateur golf. Their selection to represent Kenya in the Egyptian Amateur Open is a testament to their talent and the rigorous training they have received through the union's programs,” Ndung'u noted.
Last month, Karanga became the first Kenyan to deep under 100, according to the WARGR, where he moved from 95 to 89 within a span of two weeks.
