Gagli: I Want To Win Magical Kenya Open To Meet President Uhuru Again

13th March 2019

Italian champion also seeking to rediscover form at the PGA Europe Tour event after missing the cut in Qatar last week

The 2018 Kenya Open winner Lorenzo Gagli in action at the 2019 Magical Kenya Open Pro-Am on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. PHOTO/Courtesy/Organisers
The 2018 Kenya Open winner Lorenzo Gagli in action at the 2019 Magical Kenya Open Pro-Am on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. PHOTO/Courtesy/Organisers
SUMMARY
  • Gagli made headlines at the 2018 edition at the Muthaiga Golf Club when he won the desired title in an enthralling three-hole sudden-death play-off after tying for first alongside Sweden’s Jens Fahrbring
  • "The prize giving was really fun last year, there was a lot of people and the President of Kenya, it was really special to be there
  • Countryman Renato Paratore also enjoys the globetrotting nature of life on the European Tour, arriving in Kenya after back to back events in the Middle East, and before playing in Malaysia next week

NAIROBI, Kenya- Italian Lorenzo Gagli is a man who wishes lightening strikes twice when he tees off in defence of his Kenya Open Golf Championship title presented by Absa at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi on Thursday.

Gagli made headlines at the 2018 edition at the Muthaiga Golf Club when he won the desired title in an enthralling three-hole sudden-death play-off after tying for first alongside Sweden’s Jens Fahrbring where he was handed his prize by Head of State, Uhuru Kenyatta.

The Italian missed the cut at last week's PGA Europe Tour event in Qatar where he slumped to an 88th finish and is hoping returning to Nairobi will reignite his form as he seeks to achieve the rare feat of being the first back to back Kenya Open champion.

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The event was first staged in 1967 and has been won by Major Champions Seve Ballesteros, Ian Woosnam and Trevor Immelman but is making its first appearance on the European Tour with former Europe Ryder Cup team captain, Thomas Bjorn adding the star dust to the country's signature golf jamboree.

In recent seasons it has often been the curtain raiser for the European Challenge Tour, with Gagli defeating Jens Fahrbring in a play-off in 2018 en route to finishing 13th on the Rankings to regain his playing privileges on the European Tour.

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The Italian has made two of seven cuts so far this season but has never missed the weekend at this event and is delighted to be at Karen Country Club.

"It's amazing to come back to Kenya," he said. 

"I have a lot of good memories from last year so I'm really excited to play here again.

"The prize giving was really fun last year, there was a lot of people and the President of Kenya, it was really special to be there.

"Sometimes it's not easy, it's a tough job, but at the same time it's really good because you can visit all these kinds of countries like Kenya. I love Kenya and Africa. The people are amazing here," Gagli enthused.

Countryman Renato Paratore also enjoys the globetrotting nature of life on the European Tour, arriving in Kenya after back to back events in the Middle East, and before playing in Malaysia next week.

The 2017 Nordea Masters winner has not played this event before and is expecting a good test at high altitude.

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"I feel good," he said. "I like the course, it's a good challenge, also very good weather so I'm going to enjoy it. You have to play every part of the game well because from the tees and also around the greens is not easy, so it's a good test.

"When you are in Europe four in a row is easier but I went from Qatar to here and then Malaysia. It's good because I like to travel and discover new places."