The Kenya Open Golf Championship is expected to tee off on the 6th of March with the final round slated for three days later on the 9th.
The annual championship which has grown in stature since its inception 46 years ago has attracted household names who are expected to compete for at least Kshs23 million which will be up for grabs during the 4-day tournament at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi.
The tournament received a Kshs2.3 million boost sponsorship from Hemingways Collection, Nairobi, ahead of the tee off early next month.
Speaking at the function, Chairman of Kenya Open Golf Tournament Limited, Mr. Peter Kanyago said, “We are grateful for this great boost from Hemingways and other companies who have come out to support this championship. The golf course is in great shape and we are looking forward to a very competitive championship and we urge supporters to come in their numbers and rally behind their favourite players especially our very own.”
A total of 156 players from Africa, South America, Europe, United States, Korea among others have confirmed participation in the championship with Kenya registering over 20 players. No Kenyan player has ever won the championship since its inception, the hosts’ best finish coming in 1998 when Jacob Okello finished second.
Spaniard, Jordi Garcia Pinto, won last year’s championship and is expected to defend his title. Greg Snow was the best placed local in the previous edition finishing 34th overall with a par of 284.
“Hemingways Collection is proud to be associated with the Kenya Open Golf Championship and our sponsorship is intended to assist the organizers in continuing to develop this outstanding tournament become the best Golf Tournament on the European Challenge Tour circuit,” said Alastair Addison, Hemingways Collection CEO during the announcement at Hemingways Nairobi.
The sponsorship will cater for the accommodation of all the championship officials at the facility including two referees, tournament administrator, Director of the Challenge Tour, an agronomist and two press officers among others.
A total of 156 players from Africa, South America, Europe, United States, Korea among others have confirmed participation in the championship with Kenya registering over 20 players. No Kenyan player has ever won the championship since its inception, the hosts’ best finish coming in 1998 when Jacob Okello finished second.
Spaniard, Jordi Garcia Pinto, won last year’s championship and is expected to defend his title. Greg Snow was the best placed local in the previous edition finishing 34th overall with a par of 284.
AUTHOR: Paul Ojenge