Njoroge Kibugu faced the cut line at the par-five 18th. What happened next could change his tournament.
Njoroge Kibugu stood on the precipice of the cut Friday at the Magical Kenya Open, needing a birdie or better to extend his week and become the only Kenyan player competing over the weekend.
With one hole remaining, the Kenyan golfer was at 3-under par, sitting just one shot outside the projected cut line of 4-under. The par-five 18th presented a final opportunity to secure his place in the weekend rounds at the DP World Tour event.
A Moment That Matters
The significance of the moment extended beyond Kibugu’s individual scorecard. A successful finish would mark a notable achievement for local interest at his home tournament, with the possibility of being the sole Kenyan representative continuing into Saturday and Sunday’s play.
The par-five finishing hole at Muthaiga Golf Club offered the chance Kibugu needed. With length working in his favor on a reachable par-five, the pressure was on to convert.
The 18th Awaits
Kibugu’s response to the challenge would determine not only his immediate tournament fate but also whether Kenyan fans would have a representative competing for the title over the weekend rounds of the DP World Tour event.
The Magical Kenya Open continues as a key fixture on the international golf calendar, offering players the chance to compete at one of Africa’s most prestigious venues.
With one hole to play on Friday, Njoroge Kibugu was at -3 and one shot outside the projected cut line (-4).
He needed a birdie or better at the par five 18th to be the only Kenyan to play over the weekend.
He then did this…#MKO2026 pic.twitter.com/wlRg0Wy9RH
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) February 23, 2026