Organizers of the 2020 Kenya Open Golf tournament today received Sh75 million from Absa Bank Kenya, which is part European Tour set for March 12 to 15 at the Karen Country Club.
Absa Bank Kenya managing director, Jeremy Awori said: “Over the past 10 years, we have walked hand in hand with the Kenya Open Golf Limited to grow the profile and stature of the event, transforming it into a great asset not just for the golfing fraternity but also for the country. As a result, Kenya Open is now one of the biggest sporting events in sub-Saharan Africa and has contributed immensely to the promotion of Kenya as a global golfing and sports tourism destination. We are looking forward to this year’s tournament.”
The packages for the Kenyan pros were announced in November last year when the bank committed to sponsor nine Kenyan pros and one amateur to successfully participate in the just-concluded Safari Tour series. The benefitting pros include the Professional Golfers of Kenya captain C.J Wangai, Eric Ooko, Riz Charania, Simon Ngige, Kopan Timbe, David Wakhu, Jastas Madoya, Mohit Mediratta, and the youngest Kenyan pro, Mathew Wahome.
Apart from the pros’ sponsorship throughout the Safari Tours, the bank has also organised several junior golfers’ clinics to mentor upcoming golfers through interactions with top professionals in a bid to cultivate interest in the sport among the youth and to grow their talent.
“As a brand, we believe in connecting people’s dreams to the financial resources to achieve their aspirations, which is in line with our brand purpose of bringing possibilities to life,” Mr Awori said. “Our engagement with KOGL is rooted on a mutual agenda of expanding the opportunities available in the golfing arena. We believe that such growth will in return reflect on the performance of the economy.”