Kenya has secured two additional professional spots in the 2019 Magical Kenya Open, expanding the national contingent to 20 players including six amateurs. The new entrants, David Odhiambo from Nyanza Golf Club and Alfred Nandwa from Kenya Railway Golf Club, were selected from a reserve list after several scheduled participants withdrew.
The duo qualified through strong performances on the 2018/19 Safari Tour, which served as a selection platform for the tournament. The event, set for Thursday at Karen Country Club, will feature 14 Kenyan professionals, six local amateurs, and 136 international competitors.
Johnnie Walker, a major sponsor, is offering a Sh40 million prize package including a bottle of Johnnie Walker Odyssey to the first golfer who holes out in one at the par-three 16th hole. The brand's managing director, Jane Karuku, emphasized the company's commitment to golf development in Kenya.
Meanwhile, top Kenyan golfer David Wakhu has secured a two-year sponsorship deal with online gaming company BetLion. The agreement covers training, tournament expenses, and financial incentives, allowing Wakhu to focus exclusively on his professional career. BetLion's managing director, Spencer Okach, stated the partnership marks the company's first sports development initiative in Kenya.
