The excitement of the recently concluded Magical Kenya Open extended far beyond the greens, as Kenya seized the opportunity to showcase its broader tourism appeal to the visiting global golf fraternity.
As part of efforts to highlight the country’s diverse attractions, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) treated DP World Tour players and officials to a game drive at Nairobi National Park, offering them a rare chance to experience Kenya’s wildlife and scenic landscapes just minutes from the capital city.
American golfer Kyah Owusu, on her first visit to the country, shared her excitement about the experience.
She said she was captivated by the safaris, the warmth of the people and the richness of the culture, adding that simply exploring different parts of the country had been memorable.
“I love the safaris, the people and the culture. Just driving around and seeing the areas has been truly incredible for me,” Owusu said.
Owusu also admitted she had not previously associated Africa with golf but was pleasantly surprised by the strength of Kenya’s golfing community and the enthusiastic fan support witnessed during the tournament.
“When you think about Africa, I do not really correlate it with golf but there is a big golf community here which is truly amazing to see all the fans and spectators come out and support,” she said.
English golfer Brandon Robinson Thompson, making his second appearance at the Kenya Open, described the event as one he prioritises on his annual calendar.
He praised the friendliness of Kenyans and the beauty of the surroundings, particularly the proximity of the tournament venue to the national park.
Fellow Englishman Dan Bradbury likened the course at Karen Country Club to his home club in Wakefield, noting that the unique setting near a wildlife park made the experience even more special.
He said staying on the edge of Nairobi with wildlife nearby had been a highlight of his visit.
“I have had a great time in Kenya so far. Staying here on the edge of Nairobi and in the National Park is really cool,” Bradbury said.
DP World Tour Accreditation Officer Kyle Fenn, attending the event for the third consecutive year, commended the hospitality extended to international guests.
He observed that locals are always eager to welcome visitors and proudly showcase the country.
Recalling his safari outings, Fenn said spotting a lion during a previous visit remained a standout moment, and he was hopeful of seeing more wildlife during the latest game drive.
The excursion aligns with KTB’s broader strategy of integrating tourism experiences into major sporting events, positioning Kenya as a premier sports tourism destination and encouraging repeat visits.
KTB Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei underscored the value of such initiatives, saying global events like the Magical Kenya Open create lasting impressions for international participants.
“Leveraging events like the Magical Kenya Open allows us to create indelible memories for our international guests. These participants then become invaluable global ambassadors, sharing Kenya’s magic far and wide, driving tourism growth,” said Chepkemei.
