Over 100 golfers ready for the 2023 Kenya Ladies Golf Union match play

KCB Director Corporate Banking John Okulo chips his golf ball in a recent event. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard].

Over 100 Lady Golfers across the Country will be at the par 72 Royal Nairobi 18 Holes golf course on Saturday for the Kenya Ladies Open Golf Union (KLGU) Championship golf event.

The series has traversed Kakamega, Kisumu, Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu counties where 10 teams have booked a slot in the upcoming grand finale Pro-Am event slated for November this year at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi.

Outside Kenya, Burundi has also held its leg while Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda are still yet to host their tournaments in the 8-month-long series that has so far enhanced the sport giving an opportunity to women and juniors to participate in various tournaments.

Tournament Convener Rita Waruinge said Golf has been a sport that has largely been dominated by Men but are happy because KCB is continuously demystifying that perception through the opportunities granted to women and juniors to participate in the series.

“We urge other corporate entities to do the same so that we can build the next generation of golfers who will compete at global events,” said Wairunge.

The Tour will then head to the Great Rift Valley Lodge on September 2nd for its 12th leg.

The tournament has received massive support from KCB Bank.

This will enhance the sport in the country through the KCB East Africa Golf Tour where the Bank has reached over 1, 300 participants and over 600 juniors and ladies who take part in the clinics that run concurrently with the golf series.

KCB Group Director Marketing and Communication Rosalind Gichuru said they have always been passionate about women and through the Bank’s golf series they are excited to reach budding lady golfers who have shown dedication and a strong determination to improve their skills.

“For this reason, we have made a commitment to incorporate ladies only tournaments in our tour. The Royal Nairobi Golf Club event is the second event we are hosting following the successful Vetlab edition and we will also be hosting another one at Sigona,”said Gichuru.

Elsewhere Ruiru Sports Club will be hosting the Inaugural Institute of Public Finance golf tournament where over 250 top amateur golfers across the country tomorrow on Saturday.

Some of the big names expected to brave the greens include Jefferson Kariuki, Ruth G. Kamau, Chege Kariuki, and Dr. K Laibuta.

The quartet has been impeccable in the previous tournaments held at the 18-hole course and they will be out to battle for top honors.

Ruiru Club Captain Jessy Ndegwa said: “We are excited to host the first edition of the Institute of Public Finance (IPF) golf tournament in Ruiru. The course is in good shape, and we cannot wait to see action over the weekend as the golfers battle it out for the top honors. We are expecting a very tough competition and it is my hope that the weather will be gracious enough for a splendid golf outing.”

The tournament will be played under the theme, ‘Integrated, and Inclusive Budgeting for Sustainable Climate Action’ where the morning action will tee off at 6:50 am while the afternoon tee will start at 10:40 am.

IPF Chief Executive Officer James Muraguri said they are passionate about sports and its importance in fostering social cohesion.

“We believe that golf provides an opportunity for people to interact and network away from their normal office setting as they enjoy amazing courses. We look forward to having a good time with all the players for long-term engagements, “said Muraguri.

He added that IPF will continue to sponsor such tournaments in the future as a way of building the next generation of golfing talent while supporting national conversations on climate change and budget priorities.

Meanwhile, other golfers on the same day will be at Kiambu, Kenya Railways ,Thika Greens and  others  at  Nyali Golf and Country Club  course playing for  the  Cross Roads Fellowship Ministries Charity Golf day.