Campillo claims UGX 1.2 billion after swinging to 2023 Magical Kenya Golf Open victory

Overview:

The victory at the 2023 Magical Kenya open was the third win for Jorge Campillo on the European tour since winning in Morocco (2019) and Doha (2020). Uganda was represented by only one professional golfer Ronald Rugumayo who only played two rounds with 76 and 75 scores, failing to make the cut after 36 holes.

2023 Magical Kenya Golf Open:

Winner:

Jorge Campillo (Spain): 69, 68, 63, 66 (-18)

Runners up:

Kawamura Masahiro (Japan): 71, 65, 65, 66 (-16)

Best East African:

T65: Kibugu Mutahi (Kenya): 68, 71, 71, 73 (-1)

Uganda’s performance:

143^rd: Ronald Rugumayo (Uganda): 76, 75 (+9) *Did not make the cut

Spaniard Jorge Campillo is $340,000 (UGX 1,257,567,180.00) rich after winning the 2023 Magical Kenya Golf open at Muthaiga golf club in Nairobi city, Kenya.

Campillo scored a total of 266 gross (-18) in four rounds to win by a two strokes’ margin off Japanese Masahiro Kawamura (-16).

Jorge Campillo (left) being presented with his dummy cheque

He commenced the first round with 2-under 69, improved to 3-under 68 during round two,.

On the third day, he took command of the leaderboard after shooting his best score (8-under 63) on the third day and winded the formidable tournament with 5-under 66 on the last day of the championship.

Overall, Campillo scored a total of 23 birdies, 44 pars and 5 bogies.

“To win is a nice feeling. I am more relaxed now and opened the season on a high note.” Campillo who registered his third victory on the European tour stated.

He has earlier won the Trophee Hassan II tournament in 2019 (Morocco) as well as the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in 2020 (Doha).

He claimed the lion’s share of the total kitty €1,750,000 (at least UGX 6,857,284,721.00).

Kawamura Masahiro of Japan scored 71, 65, 65 and 66 (-16) to take second place and win $ 220,000 (at least UGX. 813, 719,940.00).

Kenya’s young professional Muthai Kibugu finished joint 65^th (283) with six other golfers to take home $ 48,000 each (at least UGX 17,753,889.60).

Muthai Kibugu swings during the final round of the 2023 Magical Kenya Open | Credit: Make it Kenya

A total of 156 golfers including Uganda’s professional Ronald Rugumayo took part in the championship with 79 making the cut.

Uganda was represented by only one professional golfer Ronald Rugumayo who only played two rounds with 76 and 75 scores, failing to make the cut after 36 holes.

Rugumayo however left with his head up after scoring the only ace (hole-in-one) of the tournament on day one.

Kenya Airways rewarded him with two air tickets to any destination of his choice.