Kisii golf club will be hosting an inaugural Kisii Open Shabana Trophy, the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) series set for par 72 Kisii golf club in Kisii County.
The tournament is set to make its debut at the Kisii Sports Club from March 28th and 30th where the event promises to showcase top-tier golf talent and celebrate the rich sporting culture in Kisii, attracting 62 elite players.
Among those anticipating to compete are four exceptional female golfers led by Vipingo Ridge’s Naomi Wafula, Njoro’s Mercy Nyanchama with hosts Elizabeth Mose and Sharon Moraa.
, both from Kisii Sports Club.
“The name “Shabana” holds a special place in the hearts of the Kisii community. It originates from one of the town’s first and oldest hardware businesses, Shabana, founded by philanthropist Dogo Khan. Over the years, Khan has been a champion of community initiatives in Gusii, contributing to various projects that have left a lasting impact. In 1978, he sponsored the very first KGU event, the Shabana Open, a Foursomes format competition, which became a mainstay in the club’s history alongside the prestigious Gethin Cup.” Said Wycliff Ayienda the Kenya Golf Union Regional representative.
He added that in 1982, Dogo Khan extended his passion for sports by founding Shabana FC, a football club that has become a household name and now competes in the Kenya Premier League. The club, which enjoys one of the largest fan bases in Kenya, continues to benefit from Khan’s ongoing support and commitment to local sports development.
The Kisii Open Shabana Trophy boasts an impressive prize pool of 500,000 Kenyan Shillings, with the champion set to take home 115,600 Kenyan Shillings. This significant prize makes the event a highly sought-after competition on the amateur golf circuit. The event is officially recognized as a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) tournament, offering participants the chance to earn valuable ranking points, further elevating the event’s prestige and appeal.
Chris Kinuthia, KGU Tournament Director and Vice Chairman, expressed his gratitude for NCBA’s sponsorship, highlighting the positive impact it has had on upcountry golf clubs and the Golf Mashinani initiative. “This sponsorship has allowed clubs in rural Kenya to benefit significantly, and it continues to promote the game of golf across the country. We are also deeply thankful to Kisii Sports Club for the tremendous effort they’ve put in to ensure that this event is now a permanent fixture on the KGU calendar,” said Kinuthia.
As the Kisii Open Shabana Trophy begins this weekend, golf enthusiasts are in for an exciting and historic tournament that honors the legacy of Shabana and showcases the talent and spirit of Kenyan golfers.