I didn't know much about golf but I will support the sport, Ruto pledges

President William Ruto and South Africa's Casey Jarvis at the Magical Kenya Open on February 22, 2026 / PCS

President William Ruto has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to invest in sports, describing the sector as a critical pillar for national development, youth empowerment and global competitiveness.

Speaking on Sunday during the closing ceremony of the Magical Kenya Open at Karen Country Club, Ruto said sustained investment in sports will help nurture talent and expand opportunities for young people.

“We will continue investing in sports as a vital pillar of our national development, nurturing talent, creating opportunities for our youth, and strengthening Kenya’s standing on the global stage,” the President said.

He noted that the prestigious tournament continues to position Kenya as a premier destination for international sporting excellence and tourism.

“Attended the closing ceremony of the Magical Kenya Open at the Karen Country Club, Nairobi, a prestigious tournament that continues to showcase Kenya as a premier destination for international sporting excellence and tourism,” he said.

The presidentcongratulated winners and participants for their discipline and sportsmanship and also reflected on his evolving appreciation of golf, admitting he previously viewed it as an elite sport.

“To familiarise myself with golf, I must admit that I don't know very much about golf. When I was growing up, I was told it was a rich man's sport, but I have since discovered that it is a common sport for all of us,” he said.

The President said he was particularly inspired by young golfers he interacted with during the event.

“This afternoon particularly, I was inspired by the young golfers. I saw them in the field particularly one young man explained himself to me and I have completely changed my mind about what golf is,” he noted.

While acknowledging he may have missed the opportunity to take up the sport earlier in life, Ruto maintained it is never too late to engage with golf and pledged to support the next generation in his family.

“I may have also missed the opportunity to support any of my children to do this sport, but I'm told it's best when you start it early. I want to admit and promise that my grandchildren, I will at least make sure that they start early and I have several,” he added.

To celebrate the only Kenyan to reach the weekend against a world-class field, President William Ruto awarded Njoroge Kibugu Sh5 million shillings.

South Africa’s Casey Jarvis delivered a masterclass in front-running golf to clinch the 2026 Magical Kenya Open title after closing with a scintillating eight-under-par 62 for a tournament total of 25-under-par 255 at Karen Country Club.

Jarvis, who had set the tone with opening rounds of 62 and 65 before adding a 66 on Saturday, capped his dominant week with another flawless 62 on Sunday to seal a wire-to-wire victory.

The 22-year-old never relinquished control of the leaderboard, combining precision off the tee with a red-hot putter to keep the chasing pack at bay, ultimately claiming Sh60m.