• “I honestly feel corporate entities are not doing enough to promote local golfers. There is too much local talent that can do better in the MKO,” said Mutahi.
• Indiza was the best-placed Kenyan at position 81 after missing the cut by two strokes on two over par 144.
Image: HANDOUT
Kenyan pro golfers have underscored the need for an elaborate local tour that will prepare them adequately for the DP World Tour Magical Kenya Open as well as other gigantic events.
The pros interviewed after their debacle at the Kenya Open observed that playing regularly will prepare them both mentally and physically for international action.
After Friday’s Round Two, which separated the boys from men at Muthaiga Golf Club, none of the 13 Kenyans (including four amateurs) survived the axe.
The pros and amateurs cited a cocktail of factors for their lacklustre showing.
Mutahi Kibugu, who finished 116th on six over par 148, said the government and private sector need to do a lot to rescue the Kenyan game.
“I honestly feel corporate entities are not doing enough to promote local golfers. There is too much local talent that can do better in the MKO,” he said. “In as much as I love the Safari Tour, we need a proper series that will put the golfers busy year-in year-out.”
“The corporates should invest heavily in professional golf, individual sponsorships are good but not everyone will be lucky to land one,” observed Mutahi, the only Kenya to make the cut last year.
The players cited inadequate preparations against DP World Tour professionals, who play regularly.
“We only took part in the Safari Tour which had six tournaments. This can’t be enough preparation for the Kenya Open. You can’t concentrate on these competitions and say you can make it, it’s not easy,” said 55-year-old Mumias-based Dismas Indiza.
Indiza was the best-placed Kenyan at position 81 after missing the cut by two strokes on two over par 144.
“We need international exposure in Europe, South Africa and Asia to be at level par with our European counterparts,” said Indiza.
Indiza is also calling for group travel for international events, adding: “It’s the only way to bolster Kenya’s prospect in the annual European Tour leg.”
He also holds the opinion that the Government should take part in the grooming of young players — who have proved their mettle in the MKO like the Kibugu brothers, Mutahi and Njoroge.
“I believe when the youngsters are properly supported, they’ll go places,” quipped Indiza, adding: “The Europeans who come for the MKO are relatively young, some are even surprised that I’m still playing in my 50s, and that I’m am even better than some of our young players.”
Amateur John Lejirma, who captained the Kenyan team, noted that it’s only international exposure, especially for the local professional golfers who have limited tournaments in a year, that will rescue the country in the future.
“Playing locally does not open your mindset. Competing outside the country somehow gives a player a new lease of life in the sport,” he said.
“The more you play these international tournaments, the more you gain the needed exposure.”