Magical Kenya Open: Muthomi, Anyien And Thacker Triumph In Absa Bank Beat The Pro Challenge, Walk Home With Sh50,000 Each
MUTHAIGA, Kenya- Three juniors, namely Mitansh Thacker of Sigona, Kevin Anyien of Golf Park and Kanana Muthomi of Windsor emerged winners of the Absa Bank Beat the Pro Challenge held at the par-3 13th and contested by 20 youngsters at the pristine Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi at the weekend
The juniors, between 12-18 years with a handicap index of 9.0, were given the opportunity to compete with the international pros at the hole during the 2025 Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship where their skills were also tested, and only the trio emerged winners. Their feats earned each of them an Absa Junior Account with Sh50,000.
“I will use the money to invest more in my golf, like buying equipment and apparels,” stated Muthomi, 12, who is looking forward to playing in the Magical Kenya Ladies Open next season.
“The competition was helpful, I walked away with new skills and knowledge that will take my career to some heights,” she told Standard Sports.
Anyien thanked Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) for partnering with the DP World Tour to make the contest happen.
“We actually got to know how it feels to be inside the ropes,” Anyien,18, whose role model is Tiger Woods and whose ambition is to win an Olympic medal, stated.
Thacker, who felt it was an honour to be given a chance to challenge the pros said after the victory: “The competition was lovely; it was full of fun. You know, feeling the pressure when over a thousand people are around you on the greens, and the wind was absolutely pumping against us, we learnt so much, it was great.”
Thacker, whose ultimate dream is to smash Tiger Woods records, said he will hand over the money won to his parents.
Absa Brand Marketing Manager Maryanne Kagwe said the aim of the contest was to give the juniors opportunity to tell their story, showcase their skills and be mentored by the pros so they can write the next chapter of their pieces.
JGF President Regina Gachora stated it was exciting that DP World Tour gave the juniors a chance to experience what the pros go through on the fairways.
” The juniors got a chance to understand the pressure the pros pass through when they stand in the tee-box, it was great for them to learn how it feels,” Gachora underlined.
“As JGF, we are trying to develop the juniors by giving them experience not only in Kenya but worldwide and we believe this is the start of creating our next heroes who will one day be in a position to win the Magical Kenya Open for us,” Gachora highlighted.
