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Tag: Magical Kenya Ladies Open

  • Magical Kenya Ladies Open deploys player locator technology

    Magical Kenya Ladies Open deploys player locator technology

    The Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO) has partnered with technology firm Eventhub to enhance information dissemination and fan engagement for this year’s tournament taking place from 8th-11th February 2024 at the PGA Baobab Course in Vipingo Ridge.

    The collaboration introduces an innovative Player Locator platform embedded on the tournament’s website designed to offer an immersive and interactive experience for both on-site attendees and global fans. The platform can be accessed through the link:https://mklo2024.letgolf.live/

    At the heart of the platform lies its dynamic interactive map, uniquely crafted to visualize expansive venues, and serves as a comprehensive 360° event tool. The platform caters to the diverse needs of spectators and fans, whether they are on-site or enjoying the event remotely.

    The Player Locator platform offers a range of features aimed at enriching the fan experience. Among these is the integration of the Official Scoring System, ensuring that fans can access real-time scores and statistics effortlessly. This feature provides up-to-the-minute updates on player performance, keeping them fully engaged with the unfolding tournament action.

    LET Player Tracker Two

    Additionally, the platform features a Live Scoring Monitor, providing fans with a dynamic feed of scores as the tournament progresses. Complemented by comprehensive Starting Lists and Timetables, fans have access to detailed schedules of participating players and event timings. With instantaneous updates on player rankings and a user-friendly search function for quick player identification, the platform also ensures that fans can immerse themselves fully in the excitement of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open.

    The technology has been successfully implemented for the DP World Tour, as well as during the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup 2023.

    The Magical Kenya Ladies Open is sponsored by The Government of Kenya, Safaricom’s M-Pesa, Absa Kenya, Johnnie Walker, Huawei Kenya, and Kilifi County Government.

  • Kenyan Golfers aim triumph in upcoming Magical Kenya Ladies Open

    Kenyan Golfers aim triumph in upcoming Magical Kenya Ladies Open

    Kenyan golfers will be poised for a chance at glory in the upcoming Magical Kenya Ladies Open [MKLO], set to unfold at the 18-hole Baobab Course in Vipingo Ridge, from February 8th to 11th.

    The event is the only-women’s professional golf tournament in East Africa and has attracted a field of 108 golfers from around the globe with Naomi Wafula, four-time participant Mercy Nyanchama, Channelle Wangari, Jacqueline Walter and Kellie Gachaga representing Kenya.

    The tournament is set to be the first in a series of 39 events on the Ladies Europran Tour 2024 calendar, the most fixtures ever held on the tour.

    26-year old Wafula from Vipingo Ridge’s PGA Academy, has had a rich history with MKLO as she marks her fourth appearance, having featured in 2019, 2022 and 2023.

    In 2022 she was the first woman to compete at the LET, finishing 56th with 18 over par 310. The performance earned her an invite to play at the 2023 Amundi German Masters, a golf championships that’s also in the Ladies European Series.

    The event was first held in 2019, before taking a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, making its return in 2022 and this will be the fourth time in history the tournament takes place.

    Esther Henseleit holds the record for most MKLO wins after back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2022.

    With a prize fund of $300,000 the Kenyan golfers will be hoping to produce quality performances to ensure triumph.

  • Magical Kenya Ladies Open returns to Vipingo Ridge

    Magical Kenya Ladies Open returns to Vipingo Ridge

    The Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO) returns to the 18-hole Baobab Course in Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County from the 8th – 11th February 2024 for the fourth edition of the tournament – having been held in 2019, 2022, and 2023.

    As in the previous two editions (2022 and 2023), the Magical Kenya Ladies Open – the only women’s professional golf tournament in East Africa – will serve as the season-opener for the 2024 Ladies European Tour (LET) calendar.

    Entries for the tournament opened on the 1st of January with a field of 108 players expected to compete over four days for a share of the €300,000 in prize money, consistent with the previous editions.

    The tournament follows the success of the 2023 edition, where Aditi Ashok from India secured her victory with a remarkable nine-shot lead. Held against the scenic backdrop of Vipingo Ridge, the Magical Kenya Ladies Open promises an exciting start to the LET season.

    The tournament continues to attract top talent from the LET, including rookies, past champions, and emerging stars.

    Among the notable participants who have alreadysigned up for the tournament are; German Alexandra Försterling who won the 2023 VP Bank Swiss Ladies Openand the 2023 Mallorca Ladies Open, the 2023 Amundi German Masters champion Kristýna Napoleaová from Czech Republic, 2023 MKLO runner-up Alice Hewson from England, third-place finisher April Angurasaranee from Thailand and last year’s hole-in-one sensation, Swedish Lisa Pettersson.

    Kenya’s top amateur golfer, Naomi Wafula, is expected to lead the Kenyan contingent, with additional details about the team to be revealed soon.

    Commenting on the anticipated return of the tournament, U.COM Event Managing Director Dirk Glittenberg expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the expected high levels of competition fueled by the exceptional talents the event has consistently attracted:

    “We’re thrilled about the return of the tournament, and the heightened level of competition is truly promising, considering the exceptional talents it attracts. This year’s edition is poised to shine in the LET season, spotlighting world-class talent against the stunning backdrop of Vipingo Ridge. With an expanded field size of 108 golfers, up from 96 in the previous edition, we anticipate another year of outstanding competition, building on the high standards set last year,” he said.

    On his part, Vipingo Ridge Founder Alastair Cavenagh said; “We are delighted to be hosting the MKLO for the 4th year.

    The event grows in stature with every year and serves to promote ladies golf in Kenya encouraging junior players from diverse backgrounds to take up the sport.

    We hope to see a Kenyan player on the tour permanently before too long.

    The MKLO is undoubtedly one of Kenya’s leading international sporting and we encourage spectators and golf enthusiasts to come and watch the action here at Vipingo Ridge Kilifi county from 8-11 February.”

    The Ladies European Tour (LET) is set for another historic year in 2024, featuring 31 events spanning 20 countries.

    The highlights will include the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Solheim Cup in Gainesville, Virginia, and the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews, which will be the final qualification event for the European Solheim Cup team.

    Following the Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO), the series will continue its journey, making stops in Saudi Arabia before heading to Morocco for the prestigious Lalla Meryem Cup.