96 players are set to participate in the first leg of the Ladies European Tour set to be held at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County on 2nd-5th February 2023.
Two times champion Germany’s Esther Henseleit will be among the players who will be taking to the 18 hole Baobab course, the Continents sole PGA accredited course .
The event will be preceded by a Pro-Am on 1st February.
The tournament will be making a return to the country for the third time after being held in 2019 and 2022, and will feature among others Kenya’s Naomi Wafula.
Defending champion Esther Henseleit spoke of her anticipated return.
“I’m really looking forward to going back to Kenya and defending my title. It’s a special place for me because it’s where I won my first professional tournament and I’ve always found there’s a great atmosphere with many friendly faces. A great way to start the season!”
For his part, CEO Dirk Glittenberg of U.COM said
“Kenya is very special to us. To be able to secure the official kick-off season event in this incredible country once again is a fantastic opportunity. We are very excited to keep growing our enthusiastic family of sponsors and fans.”
Vipingo Ridge’s Chairman Alastair Cavenagh added
“We look forward to another fantastic LET tournament in the New Year. Kenya has proven that we can put on world-class golf events and I am delighted that Vipingo Ridge can play its part for a third time in hosting these talented sportswomen from so many countries. We know millions of fans will be watching the action in February and so we’ll be sure to put on a great show to ensure our magical destination gets the attention it deserves”.
Announcing the return of the tournament, LET CEO Alexandra Armas said
“We are thrilled to be kick-starting our record-breaking 2023 LET season with the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, which will be the first event on the Race to Costa del Sol. Our players love the magnificent Baobab Course and the unique safari-like atmosphere at Vipingo Ridge and many of our members will be returning for the third edition of the tournament. We can’t wait to start what will be a busy and exciting year on the LET.”
The European leg will also act as Kenya Ladies Open and will be the first in a series of 39 events on the Ladies European Tour 2023 calendar.
*Source: KBC