PLAYING AT THE MAGICAL KENYA LADIES OPEN IS A DREAM COME TRUE - JACQUELINE WALTER

Vipingo’s resident golfer Jacqueline Walter has termed her inclusion in the 2023 Magical Kenya Ladies Open “a dream come true”. This will be her international tournament debut as she takes her place among the player field of 96 for the season opener of the Ladies European Tour from 2nd to 5th February 2023 at the Par-72 PGA Baobab Course at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County.

The 28 year-old who plays golf and works at Vipingo Ridge said, “Playing at the Magical Kenya Ladies Open is a dream come true. I am pretty nervous but also extremely proud and happy to have reached my target which was to get my handicap low enough to qualify and get invited to play in this prestigious tournament.”

Walter joins four other Kenyans: Naomi Wafula, Mercy Nyanchama, Chanelle Wangari and Nancy Wairimu.

Speaking on what it means to play at the event, Jacqueline highlighted the importance of such a tournament, not only for her but for women’s golf in the country. “Playing here means a lot to me and women’s golf in Kenya. It helps us to hone our skills against the best in the world. On a personal level, it is proof that if you work hard and don’t give up, anything is possible.”

The 2023 Magical Kenya Ladies Open will feature a total of 96 players from all over the world, including two-time winner Esther Henseleit of Germany, her German counterpart Sophie Hausmann, Spain’s Marta Sanz, and Linnea Strom of Sweden, who are expected to lead the title charge at Vipingo.

Speaking on her preparations to face the likes of Esther and the rest of the field, Walter said that it has been a continuous process. “My preparations are really a continuation of my normal practice routine, but I am focusing a lot on my short game, my physical and mental strength, and working on strategies to give my best performance.”

On what she expects to achieve at the tournament, Walter was grounded, “I would of course love to make the cut, but I have limited experience in tournament golf, so the main priority will be to do my best and try to make playing with these fabulous women golfers on tour an enjoyable experience.”

Finally, Jacqueline called upon Kenyans to come out in large numbers and support the home golfers as they take on the world, “I want to urge all Kenyans to come out and support us as we take on the world from 2nd to 5th February and also enjoy the world class hospitality at Vipingo Ridge.”

The action is set to kick off on Wednesday 1st February with a Pro-Am tournament, before the field of 96 takes on the PGA Baobab Golf Course over four rounds to crown the winner on Sunday 5th February.

Spectators can purchase tickets to the four-day tournament through the online platform www.ticketsasa.com which are retailing for KES 500 per day.