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Odoh stakes Nigeria’s claim to Kenya Open’s 220,000 euros

By Christian Okpara
10 March 2017   |   4:21 am
Fresh from an impressive outing at the Sunshine Tours, Nigeria’s shining star, Andrew Oche Odoh, will join other leading players from across the world to contest for honours at the Kenya Open, which tees off on March 23.

Andrew Oche Odoh will fly Nigeria’s flag at the 200, 000 euros Kenya Open, which tees off…on March 23.

Fresh from an impressive outing at the Sunshine Tours, Nigeria’s shining star, Andrew Oche Odoh, will join other leading players from across the world to contest for honours at the Kenya Open, which tees off on March 23.

Odoh, Nigeria’s only player on the official World Golf Ranking, has signed up for the 220, 000 Euros purse competition billed for the Muthiaga Golf Club in Kenya. It will end on March 26.
 
This will be Odoh’s fourth appearance at the only Challenge Tour event on the continent and he believes his chances are bright.“I have had fairly sweet memories in my past Kenyan Open appearances.  I made cut twice and I believe the Muthiaga Golf Course has some unique features that I am at home with. Add that to the fact that I have a blend of ups and downs at some of the toughest fields this year. I think it is not too much to hope for a good outing when the event tees-off,” he said.

 
The Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria presented Odoh since he is the only top ranked member of the association that showed willingness to be part of the event.
 
A strong finish at the event would also count for Odoh’s placement on the World Golf ranking, which is currently at 1889.The 2017 Barclays Kenya Open will be the 25th time the tournament has been part of the Challenge Tour’s schedule, making it the second-longest-running event on the Road to Oman.

The tournament dates back to 1969, and its illustrious list of champions before it became a Challenge Tour event in 1991 include Seve Ballesteros and Ian Woosnam.

The tournament returns to Muthaiga Golf Club this year after a stint at fellow Nairobi venue, Karen Golf Club, with competitors hoping to follow in the footsteps of 2016 winner Sebastian Soderberg, who followed this victory by qualifying for the U.S. Open and finished the year by earning a European Tour card.

Meanwhile, Kenya has chosen 22 of the best players for the event following a series of qualifiers at the par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club, Sigona and Vet Lab.
 

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