Kenya Open Golf Championships gets more lucrative, as players roll sleeves
Golf
By
Standard Reporter
| Jan 17, 2018
The 2018 Kenya Open Golf Championship is set to be the most lucrative and perhaps flamboyant after its kitty was increased from Euros 220,000 of last year to Euros 500,000 (62.5M) of this calendar year.
It is an increase that is representative of 127% and will be targeting adding the value of the game, as well as attracting more enthusiasts. This will make the tournament one of the most attractive ones to play for in European Challenge Tour.
While speaking to the media at the event where the announcement was made, the Chairman of the Kenya Open Golf Limited Peter Kanyago said that this preceded that directive that was issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta to allocate more funds for the sport.
Uhuru gave the promise after making the tour on the 2017 tournaments, and promised a government support which the stakeholders believe will be critical for adding value to the game.
The move signifies the beginning of changes set to be brought in the tournament. President Uhuru’s directive was aimed at raising the value the Championship, increasing the stature of the local players as well as bringing international players from across the globe.
Decision making was an edifice of consultations involving various stakeholders. KOGL partners the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts, ministry of Tourism, Nairobi City County, The Kenya Tourism Board, Sports Kenya and Brand Board Kenya.
Sponsors include the Nation Media Group, Barclays Bank, Safaricom, Coca-Cola and Kenya Breweries Limited and much more.
The Principal Secretary in charge of Sports Ministry Kirimi Kaberia pledged support for the Kenya Open Golf Championship Limited, adding that Kenya Golf union has been very instrumental in the success of the KOGL.