South Africa’s Jacques Kruyswijk secured his maiden DP World Tour victory at the 2025 Magical Kenya Open, presented by Absa, with a dominant display at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi.
Kruyswijk finished at 18-under-par, winning by two shots over England’s John Parry in a thrilling final round.
Kruyswijk’s consistency throughout the four-day tournament was key to his triumph. He opened with a 69, followed by a stellar 66 on day two, a remarkable 64 on day three, and closed with a solid 67 to seal the victory.
His final score of 18-under saw him hold off Parry, who had led at the halfway mark but faltered on day three. Parry carded rounds of 63, 65, 72, and 68 to finish at 16-under.
The tournament, which featured 150 golfers battling for a share of the $2.5 million (UGX 9.1 billion) prize fund, saw only 67 make the cut.
The champion took home a prize of UGX 1.5 billion. Uganda’s representatives, USA-based Willy Deus Kitata and national amateur team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai, were unable to progress past the cut.
Kruyswijk, who turned professional in 2013, had previously made a name for himself on the Sunshine Tour, securing multiple top-10 finishes on the European Tour in 2021.
Despite his past success, this victory marks his first on the DP World Tour, an achievement that solidifies his growing reputation in international golf.
The Magical Kenya Open, first held in 1967, has grown into one of Africa’s most prestigious golf tournaments.
Initially part of the Safari Tour from 1977 to 1990 before transitioning to the Challenge Tour until 2018, it has been part of the DP World Tour since 2019.
The 56th edition once again showcased fierce competition, with East African golfers struggling to make a significant impact.
For Ugandan golf enthusiasts and stakeholders, the event provided valuable insights into course management, tournament organization, and marketing strategies.
With international talent dominating the field, the focus now shifts to how East African players can elevate their performances in future editions.
