Three prominent golfers with deep ties to Kenya's professional circuit have confirmed their participation in the 2019 Magical Kenya Open, set for March 14-17 at Karen Country Club in Nairobi. The event, now elevated to the European Tour, will feature former Challenge Tour champions Thomas Bjorn, Sebastian Soderberg, and Haydn Porteous.
Bjorn, a 15-time European Tour winner and former Ryder Cup captain, last played in Kenya in 1995. The Dane expressed enthusiasm for returning to the East African nation, where he finished second in the Kenya Open before winning four Challenge Tour events that year. 'I haven't been there since 1995, and I enjoyed it back then,' Bjorn said. 'They've worked hard to elevate this tournament, and I'm excited to see what it's become.'
Sweden's Soderberg, who claimed his first Challenge Tour victory at the 2016 Kenya Open, highlighted the significance of the event in his career. The golfer, who has competed in the tournament since 2015, noted his consistent performance in Kenya. 'I've always played well here,' he said. 'It's going to be a lot of fun.'
South Africa's Haydn Porteous, winner of the 2015 Kenya Open, emphasized the tournament's growth. The golfer, who finished 48th in 2014 before his victory the following year, praised the event's expansion. 'The first time I went to Kenya, I was surprised by the crowd,' he said. 'Now that it's part of the European Tour, I expect even more support.'
The tournament will include a PRO-AM event on March 13, with tickets available through www.kenyaopen.golf.
