Shashwat Harish called playing alongside DP World Tour professionals in front of bumper home crowds at the age of 15 'a big motivation' after firing a second-round 72 at the Magical Kenya Open presented by absa.
Kenyan amateur Harish, who was born in 2010, is a member at Muthaiga Golf Club and received excellent support from the locals on Friday afternoon.
After opening with a 74 on Thursday, Harish mixed six birdies with two double bogeys and three bogeys in the company of Jannik De Bruyn and Joel Moscatel on day two.
Harish, who was being supported by Shubhankar Sharma during his second round, said: "It's exhilarating. Just the adrenaline is amazing.
"These types of events come very rarely here and actually playing with the best in the world; I mean it's hard to explain but just the experience of being with them is amazing.
"I was surprised at how much support I got and how many people watched. Definitely some added pressure but just seeing them supporting really helped me through it.
"And seeing my course in such great condition was another amazing part of it.
"Even my caddie is 15, so we were on the range and just seeing how these guys that we watch on TV hit the ball and the strike, and how all these guys play is next level.
Making memories on his Tour debut at his National Open 🇰🇪
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) February 21, 2025
A week 15-year-old Shashwat Harish will never forget.#MKO2025 pic.twitter.com/hmqa4bCtAq
"My biggest lesson of the week is that my short game, chipping and putting is just as good as theirs and definitely mentally I'm able to take the pressure.
"But I do need to get my ball-striking up there, just the consistency of my swing and get in the gym a bit more. Just seeing how huge these guys are is amazing.
"It's a big motivation. I came into this tournament with the goal of evolving as a golfer and I think I have done that. And definitely I want to be on Tour and it's going to be so much fun."
