Kipp Popert proved a class apart as he underlined his status as the leading golfer with a disability by cruising to his ninth G4D Tour title at the Magical Kenya Open.
The Englishman, born with cerebral palsy, opened the two-round event at Muthaiga Golf Club with a five-under-par 66 and followed it up with a 69 on Tuesday to finish five shots ahead of nearest challenger Lachlan Wood.
It is the first G4D Tour title Popert has won in the 2023/24 season and victory on the circuit’s maiden visit to Africa means he has now won across three continents, having previously won in Europe and Australia.
"I am ecstatic," said Popert, who came into the event on the back of playing in a series of tournaments against able-bodied players in Australia.
"I have put a lot of hard work in the last 3-4 weeks in Australia, pushing myself and playing against extremely tough competition so had a bit of a kick up the bum.
"I have got high hopes for my career and I am just really pleased with how I played this week."
Playing alongside Australia’s Wood, the G4D Tour’s previous Gross winner at the ISPS HANDA Australian All Abilities, Popert mixed five front-nine birdies with two blemishes to hit the turn at eight under par.
With Wood unable to exert any pressure, the World Number One could afford to drop shots at the tenth and 12th and still hold a three-shot advantage.
That remained the case until the par-five 18th when Popert made his 13th birdie of the week to finish at seven under as Wood closed with a bogey.
The G4D Tour was making its first visit to the continent of Africa and Popert was grateful to have broadened his horizons and challenged himself in new surroundings.
"It's been incredible," he reflected on the experience. "I had never keen to Kenya before, and as soon as it was put on the schedule we were all buzzing for it because it is awesome to be in a place not many tournaments have been.
"It is not destination for us. Just to experience the culture, the colours on the golf course and flowers are amazing."
Major Champion Brendan Lawlor carded a 74 to finish solo third at two over, one shot better than American Chris Biggins.
The G4D Tour is scheduled to resume its campaign with the second edition of the G4D Open at Woburn Golf Club from May 15-17, when Lawlor will defend his title.
