Why local sports need more support as witnessed at Kenya Open

Michael Karanga of Kiambu Golf Club during The 56th edition of the Magical Kenya Open at Muthaiga Golf Club on Friday, Feb 21, 2025. [Jonah Onyango,Standard] The Magical Kenya Open (MKO) teed off at Muthaiga Golf Club on Thursday with the winner set to be known tomorrow. The Kenya Open tournament which is part of the DTB World Golf Tour has attracted many top golfers from around the world who are keen to win the top prize on offer. The winner of the event will pocket Sh42 million apart from the honour of winning one of the legs in the DTP World Golf Tour. Englishman John Parry of England and Benjamin Hebert of France laid down the early marker at the end of the opening day on Thursday on eight under par 63 apiece. The duo was followed in second place by Jayden Schaper of South Africa who fired seven under par 64. The best-placed Kenyan at the end of the day was Riz Charania on two under par 69 with Daniel Nduva firing an impressive one under par 70 while Kenya's best golfer at the moment Michael Karanga made it the third-best local player at one over par. The results on the first day of competition went further to show that the Kenyans still have a long way to go if they are to compete at par with the top players from the world. They should however be happy that they can compete against some of the world's best and this will not only go a long way in improving their game but also give them much-needed exposure by watching the best battle in the golf course. But just like in part tournaments of this nature, the local players are always crying out for help and we hope that corporates will continue supporting local talent to help them improve their game. But this support should not only be about golf though but it should be spread across all the sports disciplines. We also accept the fact that sponsors are always willing to put their money where they not only see potential but where they also see there is sound organisation. And credit to the organisers of the MKO for the good work they are doing in delivering a world-class tournament and that explains why many corporates are keen not only to be associated with the event but also put in financial support. Kudos to companies like Standard Group PLC who are the media partners in the tournament and the likes of Absa Bank, Kenya Breweries among who have invested their money in the competition. Credit should also go to betting firm Betika who will be awarding Sh1.2 million each to seven Kenyan golfers who are playing at the MKO. It is such support that will push the locals to improve on their game and if that continues to happen then we will be crowning a Kenyan on home soil at the end of the prestigious tournament. We also urge the Ministry of Sports to start supporting the game of golf at the school level as we continue to nurture players who will be pushing the top players from across the world at the Kenya Open. Other sports federations should also borrow a leaf from the organisers of the MKO and soon they will also have the much-needed sponsorships across their tournaments. Many leagues in the country have no sponsorship and that is something that should not be happening at this age as sponsorship always goes a long way in making sure that the players who have battled throughout the year will be able to put food on the table. But even as they seek more support, they urge our local golfers to ensure they continue giving their best and show the world that a Kenyan can also do well against the world best in golf. We wish them all the best as they push the likes of Parry and Schaper all the way. They should strive and ensure that they make the cut which will give them the chance to play on the final day tomorrow. All the best to Kenyan golfers and may the best player be crowned tomorrow at Muthaiga Golf Club.

Why local sports need more support as witnessed at Kenya Open

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Why local sports need more support as witnessed at Kenya Open

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