by Maximilla Wafula
NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 3 – History was made at the Baobab course in Vipingo where top Kenyan amateur Naomi Wafula became the first Kenyan player to make a cut in the Ladies European Tour (LET).
Wafula, who teed it up in the company of leader Aditi Ashok and Alice Hewson of England, was among the 63 players who made the cut into the final two rounds.
The Kenyan went to bed with a two-day total of 9 over par 155 but her presence in the money bracket caught the attention of the highflying two-times Indian Olympian Ashok.
“Yes, she (Wafula) is a good player. I was just talking to her about her round. She played well, save for a few holes where she made some mistakes. We have had a good two days together and I believe Wafula can go far if she continues in similar spirit and fashion,” expounded Ashok.
Naomi Wafula in action at the 2023 Ladies Open
Naomi savoured her fairy tale experience: “It’s such a good feeling to make the cut in the Magical Ladies Kenya Open for the first time. I can’t say I played much better than Thursday, nonetheless, I had a great time on the course especially playing alongside competition leader Ashok”
Wafula wasn’t lucky to score a birdie but she was happy that her +3 round two score was better than the first day where she posted a +6.
“Since I came to Vipingo I have been doing lots of gym and the fact that I play here everyday has also contributed to my great knowledge of the course which was an added advantage on the pitch,” Wafula added..
Aditi Ashok of India follows her tee shot during the first round of the 2023 Magical Kenya Ladies Open.
Meanwhile, leader Ashok has vowed to hit the greens and fairways of the Par-73 PGA Baobab course in Vipingo with the much-needed precision and gusto heading into the weekend.
The two-times Indian Olympian fired a round of 70 to close day two proceedings on the summit with 9 under par 137.