Teenage amateur Njoroge Kibugu is aiming to improve on his impressive performance on home soil last year as he and older brother Mutahi tee it up together for the first time on the DP World Tour at the Magical Kenya Open Presented by Absa.
The 19-year-old returns to home course Muthaiga Golf Club 12 months on from being the only Kenyan golfer to make the cut at last season’s event, becoming an overnight star in his homeland in the process.
The Kibugu brothers are among 14 local golfers in this week’s field from around the world for the 54th edition of Kenya’s national Open and the fourth as a DP World Tour event.
Njoroge went on an excellent run of form after impressing in his homeland, finishing no lower than third in six of his next seven amateur events, winning twice.
He will hope to showcase his talent once again, with plenty of fond memories and an increased belief in his ability after carding rounds of 70-66-73-77 to finish the week as the low amateur last time around.
“It feels great to be back. It's always a pleasure to play on the DP World Tour,” he said.
“Looking back, it was actually a surreal experience, hopefully I can do it again but even better this year. It didn't feel real at the time but now I know it actually happened and time moves quick so I'm back here again.
“I caught some heat a few weeks, even six months after. I was hitting the ball pretty well during the Kenya Open and after it just got better because I was working really hard with my coaches.
“It helped with handling pressure, it helped me learn how to win also because I used to shake (with anxiety) in such events but now I don't really feel anything, I feel comfortable now.”
While Njoroge is making his third start in as many years at his national open, 22-year-old Mutahi will experience playing in the tournament for the first time as a professional.
Mutahi, who turned professional in 2021, missed out on last year’s event and admits watching his brother make his mark inspired him to make sure he had his chance to shine on home soil.
“He is actually the reason I am here,” he said. “I saw him and said, ‘I want that same feeling’. He motivated me to be here.
“It means everything to me to make my DP World Tour debut as a professional. Dreams come true. I am very excited.”
It means everything to me to make my DP World Tour debut as a professional. Dreams come true. - Mutahi Kibugu
Njoroge added: “I'm happy for him (Mutahi). It's definitely going to be a fun week, I wish him all the best.
“He can try to beat me but he won't. We're pretty close, two years apart so we've travelled a lot together, been everywhere together and we're actually almost like best friends.”
The siblings are expecting “big roars” from the home crowds at Muthaiga, with their parents certain to be rooting for them when play gets under way on Thursday morning.
“Mum and Dad are proud of us,” Mutahi said. “Dad is probably going to be a bit anxious, it’s going to be fun.”
