One of the most exciting events on the European Tour takes place this weekend, as the Magical Kenya Open gets underway. But, which players could stand the best chance of picking up the win at the illustrious event this coming weekend?
History & Previous Winners
The Magical Kenya Open has been an important part of the golfing calendar since it was established in 1967. It was previously a part of the Safari Circuit and Challenge Tour before 2019. In 2019, it became part of the European Tour, and the event now takes place at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi. The event hasn’t always taken place at the Karen Country Club, as it has also been played at the Muthaiga Golf Club on a number of occasions. The most recent times that it has been played at the course came in 2017 and 2018.
There have been some famous winners of the Magical Kenya Open throughout its history, with Ryder Cup players such as Ian Woosnam, Ken Brown and Seve Ballesteros all picking up wins during their career. Maurice Bembridge is the most successful player in the history of the event, as he recorded three victories during his career.
James Lee, Marteen Lafeber and Lee S. James all hold the joint records for the best scores at the event. James matched the other two players achievements of finishing with a score of 265 back in 2002. The defending champion coming into this year’s event will be Guido Migliozzi, who won the event back in 2019. He managed to hold off pressure from Justin Harding, Louis de Jager and Adri Arnaus to win by a stroke.
Leading Contenders For The Magical Kenya Open
The BetXChange market will be packed full of talented players that will stand an excellent chance of winning the Magical Kenya Open this weekend. Justin Harding will be among the popular picks, as he looks to go one better from last year’s performance. The South African player has been in slightly disappointing form so far this year though, as he hasn’t managed to finish in the top ten of any event so far this calendar year.
Aaron Rai will be a player to look out for, as he has made the cut on two of the five events that he has played in. The defending champion Migliozzi may also be worth a second look for gamblers at this year’s event, as he looks to regain his title. An Italian player has won the last two instalments of this competition, and the 24-year-old has been in decent form recently as he finished in a tie for second at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. Matthias Schwab could also present good each-way value, as he has already finished in the top ten of an event this year. If he can match his performance level from the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, where he finished ninth, then he could be a decent chance. However, we struggle to see past the defending champion regaining the honour he won in 2019.
Magical Kenya Open Pick: Guido Migliozzi with BetXChange.
