It is often said that the seeds of talent are usually planted early and, and more specifically, in the home. One study revealed 80% of the world’s top sports performers were introduced to their talent domains by their parents, usually between ages 2 and 5.

One of Kenya’s finest junior golfers 21-year-old Daniel Kiragu of Muthaiga Golf Club was introduced to golf by his father Moses Kiragu at a very young age. The two would often go out and practice at Nakuru Golf Club in Nakuru town, where he was born and grew up. His father saw in him talent and slowly but surely nurtured him, something he, Daniel is forever grateful for.

Today, Daniel is not only a star within the local sporting fraternity but an inspiration to young golfers too, who look up to him. The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) awarded him an Olympic preparation scholarship in 2022, which is an initiative by International Golf Federation (IGF), in conjunction with Olympic Solidarity for African golfers and coaches. The scholarship enabled Kiragu to join selected 15 African junior players at the African High-Performance program.

He is also listed as one of the most promising junior golfers in Kenya, having won a number of tournaments including being overall winner of the 2022 Sir Nick Faldo Kenya Championship. He went on to represent Kenya, with other golfers at 2022 Sir Nick Faldo Series Europe Grand finale which was held at the Al Ain Equstrian, Shooting and Golf Clib in Abu Dhabi. This was the first time Kenya was sending a team to the popular world junior golf series.

Starting today, approximately 156 golfers drawn from across the world will converge in Kenya for the 2023 Magical Kenya Open golf championships at Muthaiga Golf club and among them will be six Kenyan amateurs including Daniel Kiragu who will be on the course.

Magical Kenya Open, presented by Absa, is now one of the biggest sporting events in sub-Saharan Africa and has contributed immensely to the promotion of Kenya as a global golfing and sports tourism destination. This is the 12th consecutive year that Absa is partnering with the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) to sponsor the international tournament, now firmly part of the prestigious DP World Tour.

Daniel is one of the youngest Kenyan amateur golfer this year participating in the tournament, something he is super excited about and says, he is not afraid to face the big boys. His poise, skill and character in the face of pressure starting today is the strongest notice yet that the next generation of championship golfers is going to come younger and more prepared to compete than ever before. He hopes he will leave an incredible mark in the next few days and is looking forward to a bright future.

When he is not playing golf, you will find him in school, at USIU where is pursuing his undergraduate studies. Kiragu says he hasn’t set a date on turning pro so for now: he will stick to Amateur Golf until he finishes school. His dream is to then proceed to play outside the country, “for exposure so as to get to play with the best of the best in the world.”

His role models are his father Moses and Tiger Woods. For those who don’t remember, the youngest winner of the Masters is none other than Tiger Woods, who did it at 21 years old in 1997.

The sport has taught him a very important virtue, being optimistic no matter what. He says, “I have learnt to always keep a positive mindset in everything that i do even if it doesn’t go as planned. You just have to keep your head high and keep moving forward.”

As part of its commitment to support sporting talent in the country, telco giant Safaricom will provide Sh1.2 million to the six participating Kenyan amateur players namely: Njoroge Kibugu, Daniel Kiragu, John Lejirmah, Adel Balala, Jay Sandhu, and Dennis Maara. That is in addition to other support like golf balls, t-shirts, gloves and other playing equipment the players need during the open.

As the tournament begins, it goes without saying Kenyans will be watching and rooting for the likes of Kiragu the rest of the way and likely for many years to come.

The 54th edition of the Magical Kenyan Open is officially underway at Muthaiga Golf Club with 156 golfers in action #AbsaPresentsMKO2023 #WeLoveAfricanacity #TheRightPlace