Naomi Wafula during the 2022 European Tour Ladies Open.She is one of the four Kenyan players set to feature in this year’s event.

Four Kenyan golfers : Naomi Wafula, Mercy Nyanchama, Nancy Wairimu and Chanelle Wangari will take part in the opening leg of the Ladies European Tour slated February 2nd-5th at PGA Baobab golf Course, Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County.

Their participation in the event also doubles up as a feature in the Ladies Kenya Open and will face 96 other players from across the globe.

Naomi Wafula and Mercy Nyanchama will be making their third appearance at the tournament, having featured in the 2019 and 2022 editions, while 16-year-old Chanelle Wangari will be featuring for the second time. Meanwhile, Nancy Wairimu will be making her maiden appearance at the tournament.

The four amateur players will be looking to leave a mark at the tournament that boasts as the only professional ladies golf tournament in the East African region.

VetLab Sports Club’s Mercy  Nyanchama was the highest-ranked Kenyan at the 2022 edition having finished in the 74th position on a round total of a 14 over par 158 gross. Speaking on her preparation for the tournament, Nyanchama said that she is hoping to make the cut in this year’s tournament.

 "I am very excited to play at this year's Magical Kenya Ladies Open. This will be the third time playing at the tournament and it is a really great learning opportunity as I look to turn Pro in the near future. For now, I am practicing on my own as I prepare for the tournament. I will be heading to Vipingo in the last week of this month for more practice before the event starts. Last year I missed the cut by three shots and so I am hoping to make the cut this time round," said Nyanchama.

Vipingo Ridge’s PGA Academy star Naomi Wafula finished last year’s edition with a 20 over par total of 164 gross to tie in the 90th place with France’s Marion Duvernay and Denmark’s Linette Littau. She is also hoping for an improved performance at this year’s championship.

“I am excited that the Magical Kenya Ladies Open is coming back to Kenya. I am really looking forward to it. I have been doing a lot of practice and training here at Vipingo Ridge as I prepare for the tournament, hoping to post better results than last year,” said Naomi.

“I have been going to the gym five days a week in order to remain in the best shape and my coach has been helping me with my daily practice routine. I am confident with my game at the moment which has really improved since last year’s tournament and I believe I am going to perform much better this year,” she added.

The Kenyan quartet will battle for the diadem with among others last year’s winner Germany’s Esther Henseleit.