Van Driel chases historic Kenya Open title defence

Dutch professional golfer Darius van Driel is on a special mission at Muthaiga Golf Club this week—to achieve what has eluded past winners of the Magical Kenya Open: a back-to-back title defence.

Born on June 2, 1989, in the Netherlands, Van Driel turned professional in 2015 and clinched the 2024 Magical Kenya Open with an impressive 14-under-par total, following in the footsteps of compatriot Maarten Lafeber, who set a 19-under-par record when the event was part of the Challenge Tour in 1999.

Since 1968, when Maurice Bembridge retained his title with a one-over-par 289, defending the Magical Kenya Open crown has proven elusive for past champions, many of whom have gone on to top the world rankings.

The tournament began as part of the African Safari Circuit before becoming a Challenge Tour event in 1991, and in 2019, it was upgraded to a DP World Tour event.

Despite missing the cut at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters two weeks ago with a two-over-par finish, Van Driel remains a strong contender at Muthaiga’s par-71 course when action starts on Thursday.

However, one of the standout players to watch is China’s Haotong Li, who showcased his brilliance at the Qatar Masters, rolling in a 15-footer birdie on the last hole for a brave 16-under-par finish. The 29-year-old, a four-time winner, will be tough to beat if he carries that form into the Kenya Open.

Other key contenders include fellow Chinese golfer Ashun Wu, also a four-time Tour winner and a past champion at Muthaiga. Spain’s Jorge Campillo, 2021 winner Justin Harding from South Africa, 2019 champion Guido Migliozzi of Italy, and Sweden’s Sebastian Soderberg are also in the mix.

At the 9Ubert-sponsored Magical Kenya local qualifier, all top eight players finished with under-par scores, signaling strong local representation at the tournament, where $2.5 million in prize money is up for grabs.

Last year, no Kenyan golfer advanced past the second round, but this year, Njoroge Kibugu, veteran pro Dismas Indiza, and home player Greg Snow are showing promising form. With the course playing slightly easier than in 2023, there is hope for surprise performances.

Kibugu, who made history as the youngest player to make the cut in 2022 at age 18, hopes for a strong performance to attract corporate sponsorship.

"I want to play well this year to secure funding for my goal of earning two Tour School cards, starting with the Sunshine Tour in April, followed by the Asian Tour," said Kibugu.

He will be joined by his brother, Mutahi Kibugu, who made the cut in 2023, and top Kenyan amateur Michael Karanga, who recently won the Rwanda Open. Currently ranked 54th in the world and second in Africa, Karanga is eager to challenge for the amateur title in the Magical Kenya Open.

For spectators, tee-off begins at 7:20 am. from both the 1st and 10th tees, with an afternoon draw starting at 12:20 pm.