A thrilling first day at Muthaiga Golf Club saw eagles, aces, and a dramatic tie at the top
The opening round of the 2025 Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa delivered high drama, breathtaking shots, and a tie at the top of the leaderboard. John Parry and Benjamin Hebert set the pace at Muthaiga Golf Club, each carding a flawless eight-under-par 63.
Parry, continuing his stellar form in Africa, racked up eight birdies without a single bogey. The Englishman, who won the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open in December, looked in total control as he returned to the continent. Hebert, meanwhile, matched Parry’s score with a stunning round featuring six birdies and a spectacular eagle, his highlight coming with a pinpoint approach on the sixth that set up an easy birdie.
Pepperell’s Ace Steals the Show
While Parry and Hebert led the charge, Eddie Pepperell delivered the shot of the day. The Englishman aced the par-three 11th from 218 yards with a perfectly struck seven iron, sending the crowd into raptures.
Embed from Getty ImagesEagles Galore
Former champion Ashun Wu, who won this event in 2022, thrilled fans at the par-five fourth hole by sinking a monster eagle putt after reaching the green in two. Jamie Rutherford went one better on the same hole—holing out from a bunker for his own eagle, much to the delight of spectators.
Li’s Risky Gamble Pays Off
Haotong Li provided another memorable moment on the 12th, defying his caddie’s advice to play safe. Instead, he took on the green from the trees, pulling off an incredible recovery shot that left him an outside chance for birdie. His cheeky response? “Luckily, I didn’t listen to you, eh?”
With the leaderboard stacked and momentum building, day two promises even more excitement at the Magical Kenya Open.
