NAIROBI, Kenya. March 24 – British golfer Ben Evans on Wednesday took time out of his preparations for the Kenya Golf Open to visit Valley View Academy in Mathare as part of his work for the World Food Programme (WFP). Evans who conducted a similar exercise before last month’s Colombian Open said he was humbled by the experience.
“Growing up back in England and eating three meals a day, you don’t realize how lucky you are until you come here to Mathare. Its brilliant to see what the WFP are doing and I’m here to promote it,” said Evans.
“I know food prices in Kenya are currently very high and if the kids didn’t come to school and the WFP didn’t provide them with food, they wouldn’t get it at home,” added the two time Faldo Series champion.
Valley View has a student population of 800 is situated in the heart of Mathare slums, one of the biggest slums in the country.
Evans is confident that his recent resurgence in form will hold him in good stead which runs from March 25-28.
“I’m starting to swing the ball well and getting the shots I’m looking for. Golf is one of those games that anything can happen so all I have to do is concentrate and see what happens,” said Evans.
“In Colombia I played well over the first few days but struggled over the weekend and eventually finished 67th which was disappointing but I’ve moved on, I’m happy with my swing and hopefully I can perform well this time round,” he added.
The 42nd edition of the open which is part of the European Challenge Tour will tee off at the Muthaiga Golf Club and will feature 19 local professional golfers and six local amateurs.
Past winners Lee James, Ian Pynam and Phil Golding are also expected to take part in the event that has also attracted golfers from Argentina, Chile and Singapore.