Making his debut at the Magical Kenya Open golf championships, amateur golfer Paul Muchangi has expressed confidence that he will be making the cut at the Kenya’s prestigious golf championships that tees off on Thursday on par 71 Karen Country and golf club.
Playing off handicap 2, the Limuru based player will be joining other amateurs led by Kenya Stroke-play champion Jay Sandhu of Royal Nairobi, Muthaiga youngster Taimur Malik, junior golfer Mutahi Kibugu and Vet Lab’s deaf golfer Isaac Makokha, the 2020 Kenya Amateur Match play champion.
Muchangi will be competing at the championships following his victory at the 2019 Kenya Amateur Match Play played on his home club.
“My target is to make the cut so that I can enter the prize list. In the four days, I want to play my handicap to secure such good results,” said Muchangi.
Muchangi, who is now in the sporting bubble will be joining 12 Kenyan professional golfers as part of the European Tour. The Kenyan pros led by Safari Tour champion Dismas Indiza (Mumias), Mathew Omondi (Vet Lab), Edwin Inana Asuza (Vet Lab), Riz Charania (Windsor), John Wangai (Sigona), Samuel Njoroge (Railway), Jacob Okello (Golf Park), Simon Ngige (Thika Club), Greg Snow (Muthaiga), Justus Madoya (Great Rift Valley), David Wakhu (Golf Park) and Eric Ooko (Golf Park).
Also three time Safari Tour champion Robson Chinhoi (Zimbabwe), Philip Kasozi, (Uganda) and Andrew Odoh (Abuja, Nigeria) will fight for the title.
He said, the bubble at the Ole Sereni has given him good training time and great focus for the tournament.
“This is the best idea because the concentration will be focused on the ball and sleeping. I wake up in the morning, after tea, I go to the greens and back, meaning I have quality time for training and ensuring that my concentration is high,” added Muchangi.
The first two rounds of the Kenya Open on Thursday and Friday will determine who makes the cut to the last two rounds on Saturday and Sunday.
Muchangi said his hard working and dedication his time to practice, paid off since he used to wake up at 5am to put in his house up to 8am then he goes for chipping from 9am to 2pm before ending his day’s activities from 3-5 pm on the range.
In 2017, he qualified but he never competed due to his handicap but he has to work hard to lower his handicap to ensure he performs well.
“The tournament was at home and I had to ensure I play well after losing 2018 slot to Nduva (Daniel) and I had to work my way to victory to ensure I make it again,” added Muchangi.
In his way to victory, Muchangi defeated Golf Park’s William Odera 1-up in the 36th hole at the final match after beating Samuel Njoroge of Railways with 1-up, defeated Nyali’s Wahome in the 18th hole, N. Kibe in the first round, Edwin Karie 5-3 in the second round and Kiambu’s Steve Kiaro in quarters 3-2.