The Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) today officially confirmed that the Equator Tour will serve as the exclusive qualifying tour for Kenyan professionals to the Magical Kenya Open 2026.
Speaking at a press conference held earlier today, PGK further announced that the top 15 professionals from the Equator Tour Order of Merit will earn the coveted opportunity to represent Kenya at the prestigious DP World Tour event.
The announcement marks a major milestone in the continued transformation of professional golf in Kenya and underscores PGK’s commitment to building a clear, competitive, and merit-driven pathway for local professionals to access the world stage.
PGK Chairman CJ Wangai emphasized the importance of the Equator Tour as the backbone of Kenya’s professional golf ecosystem.
“The Equator Tour was deliberately designed to professionalize our local golf structure and create a transparent pathway to the highest level. Today’s announcement confirms that belief. The top 15 on the Order of Merit will have earned their place purely on performance, consistency, and competitiveness,” said CJ Wangai. “This is a proud moment for Kenyan golf.”
PGK CEO Robert Muthomi highlighted the broader vision behind the tour and the impact it continues to have on player development and international positioning.
“The Equator Tour is no longer just a local competition circuit – it is now a globally relevant qualifying platform. Linking it directly to the Magical Kenya Open 2026 places real meaning behind every tournament played,” said Muthomi. “Our players now know exactly what they are competing for, and we have already witnessed a significant rise in professionalism, preparation, and performance since the tour’s launch.”
Kenya’s leading professionals also welcomed the announcement, with multiple-time tour winner Dismas Indiza praising the PGK and the tour’s sponsors for their belief in the players.
“We want to sincerely thank our sponsors and partners for trusting the PGK and standing by the Equator Tour,” said Indiza. “Since the tour was introduced, the standard of golf in Kenya has risen tremendously. We are sharper, fitter, and mentally stronger because the competition is now consistent and meaningful.”
Fellow professional Njoroge Kibugu echoed the sentiment, noting the positive shift in competitiveness and opportunity.
“The Equator Tour has completely changed how we approach the game. Every tournament now matters. The depth of competition has increased, and that is raising the overall standard of Kenyan golf,” said Kibugu. “We are grateful to the sponsors and to PGK for creating a system that rewards hard work and performance.”
The Magical Kenya Open is Kenya’s premier international golf tournament on the DP World Tour calendar, attracting top global professionals and significant international exposure. The official qualification of 15 local professionals through the Equator Tour positions Kenya to showcase its finest talent on home soil in 2026.
PGK reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening the tour through structured player development, enhanced sponsorship partnerships, and deeper international collaboration.