As the fourth edition of Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO) kicks off today at the 18-hole Baobab Course at Vipingo Ridge, a Kenyan team led by amateur golfer Naomi Wafula is optimistic about better results.
The five-day international golfing event (February 8–11) has attracted top talent from the Ladies European Tour (LET), including rookies, past champions and emerging stars.
The only women's professional golf tournament in East Africa will serve as the season-opener for the 2024 LET calendar.
The 108 players from around the globe are battling for a staggering €300,000 (Sh52m) in prize money.
The Kenyan team is comprised of five ladies; Naomi Wafula, Kellie Gachanga, Mercy Nyanchama, Channelle Wangari and Jacqueline Walter.
Last year, Wafula made history by making a cut during the third edition of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO). In an interview on Wednesday, Wafula said she hopes for better results this year.
“Last year, I was so happy that I made history, being the first Kenyan to make the cut at the Ladies European Tour. So, this year my goal is to not only make the cut but to play my best golf, which will give me an excellent position from the 108 golfers,” said Wafula.
Do you think you have a chance?
Wafula said last year after taking part in the third edition of the Kenya Ladies Open, Ucom invited her to play in Amundi German Master.
“Yes, I have a good chance. I've played with these girls. Last year, after I made the cut, I was invited by Ucom to play in Amundi German Masters. From there, I was able to have six more invites, so I played with them in all those events and I know most of them,” said Wafula.
She added, “I've learned a lot, I've had the experience, so this is not new to me and I'm looking forward to this one,” she said.
In 2023, Aditi Ashok from India won the tournament with a remarkable nine-shot lead.
Alexandra Försterling (Germany), who won the 2023 VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open and the 2023 Mallorca Ladies Open, is among favourites for the event.
Others are 2023 Amundi German Masters champion Kristýna Napoleaová (Czech Rep), 2023 MKLO runner-up Alice Hewson (England), third-place finisher April Angurasaranee (Thailand) and last year's hole-in-one sensation, Swedish Lisa Pettersson are also expected to compete.
