It's all systems go for the KCB Karen Masters

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

 The inaugural KCB Karen Masters will tee off today morning at the Karen Country Club, pitting international, local pros, and amateurs against one another.

In one of the biggest golfing competitions on Kenya’s sports scene, 46 local amateurs will face off with an equal number of international pros on day one of the KCB-sponsored tournament that ends on Sunday.

Renowned international pro Charlie Ford will tee off at 11am, followed by Ross Kellet, Scot Fernandez, Reiner Saxton, and Karsten Mass in the company of Edouard Espana.

On Saturday, local pros will battle it out with amateurs ahead of the Sunday showdown for all the pros.

Boniface Simwa is teeing off alongside Bradley Neil, while Dismas Indiza will tee off at 8.50am on Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon’s action will see Greg Snow paired with Nicold Ravano as David Odhiambo and Ugandan Deo Akope take on Robin Sciot and Borja Virto respectively. Ahead of the tournament, KCB Group Marketing and Communications Director Angela Mwirigi said: “This is one of our deliberate investments to hone the talent of sportsmen and women in an effort to put Kenya on the world’s sports map.

“We are excited to be the title sponsor of this event that purposes to not only uplift golfing standards in the region, but also provides an opportunity to interact and form lasting relationships with our clientele.”

Tournament Director Andy Watt says all is set for the three-day event.

“All the golfers are in good spirits ahead of the KCB Karen Masters, the course is in great shape, and we hope that everyone will have a great outing,” said Andy.

Professional Golfers Association officials arrived in the country on Wednesday evening led by Andrew Snoddy, the championship director.

“The team has put in a lot of effort and all that remains is reviewing all the tactical and strategic aspects of the KCB Karen Masters and coming up with a proper rule book,” said Andrew.

The tournament has attracted golfers from England, Germany, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, and France, among other countries. English National Dinwiddie, who has pocketed €1,438,839 in prize money so far, will be the man to watch.