Kenya Open Golf Receives Sh2.3m Boost from Hemingways Collection

The Kenya Open Golf Championship has received a Kshs 2.3 million sponsorship from Hemingways Collection, Nairobi, ahead of the tee off early next month.

The annual championship which has grown in stature since its inception 46 years ago has attracted household names who are expected to compete for at least Kshs. 23 million which will be up for grabs during the 4-day tournament at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi.

“Hemingways Collection is proud to be associated with the Kenya Open Golf Championship and our sponsorship is intended to assist the organizers in continuing to develop this outstanding tournament become the best Golf Tournament on the European Challenge Tour circuit,” said Alastair Addison, Hemingways Collection CEO during the announcement at Hemingways Nairobi.

The sponsorship will cater for the accommodation of all the championship officials at the facility including two referees, tournament administrator, Director of the Challenge Tour, an agronomist and two press officers among others.

“This tournament is one of the greatest we have in the African soil and we recognize the role that tournament officials play in making it a success,” said Alastair. “Hemingways Nairobi is conveniently located next to the golf course and this will work in favour of the organizers,” he added.

Speaking at the same function, Chairman of Kenya Open Golf Tournament Limited, Mr. Peter Kanyago said, “We are grateful for this great boost from Hemingways and other companies who have come out to support this championship. The golf course is in great shape and we are looking forward to a very competitive championship and we urge supporters to come in their numbers and rally behind their favourite players especially our very own.”

A total of 156 players from Africa, South America, Europe, United States, Korea among others have confirmed participation in the championship with Kenya registering over 20 players. No Kenyan player has ever won the championship since its inception, the hosts’ best finish coming in 1998 when Jacob Okello finished second.

Spaniard, Jordi Garcia Pinto, won last year’s championship and is expected to defend his title. Greg Snow was Kenya’s best placed local in the previous edition finishing 34^th overall with a par of 284.

“We will offer a free weekend here at Hemingways Nairobi for any Kenyan player who wins the championship,” noted the facility CEO Alastair.

The prestigious tournament is expected to tee off on the 6^th of March with the final round slated for three days later on the 9^th.

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