Kenya Open: Absa boosts Tour events with Sh30m

The 13 local professionals to represent Kenya at the Magical Kenya Open that tees off at the Karen Golf and Country Club in Nairobi tomorrow will get an opportunity to share their experiences from the competition with upcoming golfers.

The professionals will also take part in the European Tour Savannah Classic, also at Karen, on March 23-26.

The opportunity to share their skills and impart knowledge with budding players has been made possible by Absa Bank Kenya that yesterday pumped Sh30 million into the two global events.

“We are proud to be part of these two historic golf tournaments that will not only help spotlight the best players in the game but also give us an opportunity to partner with local pros and help them bring their possibilities to life,” Absa Bank Managing Director Jeremy Awori said.

“With the challenges that we have all faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was important for us to come in as a partner for this golf tournament (Kenya Open) that has been associated with us for the past 13 years.’’

To ensure that the skills gained from the events are imparted with ease, the bank has organised a virtual and physical golf clinics where the top local professionals will be sharing golf tips with  upcoming players.

“This is in a bid to cultivate interest in the sport and help encourage the future players to stay active during this period of covid.

The support from the bank will also ensure that the players get the necessary help to effectively compete against renowned golfers at the events.

“We appreciate the tenacity, hard work and resilience that goes into the preparation for such tournaments, and how difficult this must have been during a pandemic.

“This is what we call the Africanacity Spirit - the distinct ability to always find ingenious ways to get things done despite the challenges we face. “We are excited to be part of this year’s Magical Kenya Open and Kenya Savannah Classic as it also presents us with a unique opportunity to showcase Kenya as a sporting and a tourism destination,” Awori added. [Ochieng Oyugi]

While speaking at the cheque hand over event, Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) Tournament Director, Patrick Obath, said, “The bank remains a pivotal partner for the Magical Kenya Open. “Their continued support is a clear indication of their commitment to the growth and development of the sport of golf in the country.

“As the bank embarks on its growth agenda under the new brand, it is our belief that we will continue working together to make the tournament an even bigger attraction.”

The bank has been the title sponsor for the Kenya Open for the past 12 years, and in collaboration with the KOGL has helped grow the profile and stature of the tournament, transforming it into a great asset, not just for the golfing fraternity but also for the country.