The just-concluded 2024 DP World Tour Magical Kenya Open was a resounding success, marked by an exhilarating blend of sporting skill and captivating entertainment, all held against the picturesque backdrop of the esteemed Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi.
Absa Bank Kenya created an entertainment hub and has over the past 14 years sponsored the Magical Kenya Open Golf Tournament which has seen the tournament grow tremendously , transforming it into a great asset, not just for the golfing fraternity but also for the country.
This year the victory was claimed on the greens by Dutchman Darius Van Driel, as attendees were treated to an immersive entertainment experience. Absa created a memorable Kenya Open experience for invited guests offering a chance to network and form connections as they sit, relax and enjoy the game of golf.
Across borders, the excitement of the event resonated deeply, capturing the hearts of spectators, including those from neighboring Uganda, who celebrated Ronald Rugumayo’s historic achievement as the first Ugandan to make a cut on a European Tour tournament.
Absa announced a KES 75 million investment for the this year’s championships with KES 55 million supporting the Local Organising Committee through Kenya Open Golf Limited, while the remaining KES 20 million is allocated to enhancing the overall experience, creating memorable experiences for attendees and followers of the tournament.
This demonstrates its dedication to advancing talent and enterprise while providing support for sports tourism by announcing this sponsorship.
To conclude this year’s tournament, Hon. Ababu Namwamba together with esteemed guests and sponsors, presided over the prize giving ceremony as he congratulated Darius van Driel for winning the MKO 2024.
The soft-spoken pro won the global event in a spectacular fashion after leading from Day One, taking the final day on a total of 14 under par 270 following round of 66, 69, 68 and 67.
Following the win, Van Driel pocketed Ksh 61.6 million ($425,000) from the total prize purse of Ksh 362.8 million ($2.5 million).
Speaking after the win, he termed his maiden DP World Tour victory in Kenya “a dream come true.”
“It’s a dream come true. I have been playing in Kenya since 2016 and I’m glad it has finally happened,” he said.
The championships brought together 144 professional golfers from 25 countries.
Kenya entered a total of nine professional golfers, but unlike last year’s Magical Kenya Open, where one player progressed to the 4th round, none made the cut to play in the final round today.
According to Absa Bank Kenya Head of Communications Charles Wokabi, there’s a need for urgent measures to improve Kenya’s performance in international championships.
“We need more public-private partnerships from the grassroots, so as we introduce kids to golf at a tender age, by the time they grow up, they become professionals.”
The event transcended mere golfing excellence, as the entertainment village, emerged as a vibrant center of music and dance throughout the duration of the four-day extravaganza.
From pulsating beats to soul-stirring performances, the lineup of entertainment artists left an indelible mark on attendees, elevating the overall event experience to high levels of enjoyment.
