GOLF: Kenya Open Golf Limited unveils key sponsors

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala at the Karen Country Club's practice putting green

The Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) yesterday unveiled sponsors for the 2019 Kenya Open Golf Championships.

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the Ministry of Sports, Barclays Bank of Kenya, Kenya Breweries Limited and Hemingways Hotel were unveiled as some of the sponsors for the annual tournament.

While making the announcement, KOGL chairman, Peter Kanyago thanked the sponsors for their renewed support of the Kenya Open, noting that the change in sponsor categories was necessitated by the improved status of the tournament.

“I note with gratitude that the journey towards promotion of the tournament to the European Tour could not have been possible without the support accorded to us by our sponsors over the years. And for that, we remain truly grateful," said Kanyago.

Speaking at the same event, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said the Kenya Open has helped in growing Kenya’s tourism.

“I am delighted to announce that the Ministry of Tourism, through the Kenya Tourism Board, will be sponsoring this year’s Kenya Open Golf Championship,” said Balala.

On his part, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Sports and Heritage Kirimi Kaberia reiterated government’s commitment in supporting the growth of golf.

“The Government remains committed towards the growth of the sport and last year’s announcement by His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta on the intention to increase the Kenya Open prize money kitty from 1.1 million Euros (Sh126m) to 2.2 million (Sh253m), was a clear indication of this commitment," said Kaberia.

Kenya Open Tournament director Patrick Obath said the course at the Karen Country Club will be re-arranged to cater for both players and spectators.

“The course at Karen is going to be played in a different way to allow more room for spectators' movement," said Obath.