Peter Wachira, CEO, ICEA Lion Trust Company and Phillip Lopokoyit, ICEA Group CEO posing with some of the junior golfers at Muthaiga Golf Club

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

In a notable event at the Kenya Junior Strokeplay Championship, ICEA LION Trust Company, the Trust business arm of the ICEA LION Group announced a partnership with the Junior Golf Foundation at Muthaiga Golf Club. This partnership is in line with our commitment to supporting the growth of golf amongst the youth. This initiative marks an industry-first move into junior golf sponsorship by an Insurance Group in Kenya, positioning ICEA LION as the pioneering Insurance Group to support junior golf. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.

Peter Wachira, Principal Officer of ICEA LION Trust Company, reflected on the impact of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a commitment to creating opportunities for young golfers to excel both on and off the green. We are setting the foundation for a future where sports can be a viable path for personal and professional development.”

Philip Lopokoiyit, CEO, ICEA LION Group, shared his perspective on this new venture, “Our partnership with the Junior Golf Foundation is a strategic move towards contributing significantly to the development of golf in Kenya. It represents our investment in the future – not just in sports, but in cultivating discipline, focus, and resilience among young Kenyans. Our support to the Junior Golf Foundation is indeed in line with the ICEA LION Trust Company vision to deliver sustainable success for the future.’’

Adding to the excitement, Regina Gachora, President of the Junior Golf Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm, “This partnership is a significant milestone in our mission to grow the sport of golf in Kenya. It enables us to reach more aspiring young golfers and provides them with the resources and platforms they need to succeed.”

The event marked the continuation of a series of over 41 junior golf tournaments across Nairobi, Coast, North-Rift, Western, and Central regions, supported by the partnership. This extensive program underlines the shared commitment of ICEA LION Trust Company and the Junior Golf Foundation to nurturing the sport’s growth and accessibility for young athletes across Kenya.

Elvis Muigua poses for a photo with the Winston Churchill Cup tournament trophy at Thika Sports Club.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The 2024 NCBA Golf Park Open has teed off today at the Golf Park Golf Club and is set to run until Sunday, April 14th, 2024. 

This year, the tournament, now in its third edition boasts a strong field of 78 top amateur golfers from across the region. In adherence to the standards set by the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC), the initial roster of over 100 golfers has been trimmed to 78 participants to ensure a level playing field on the challenging 9-hole course.

In adherence to the guidelines set by the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC), the initial list of 100 golfers underwent a meticulous selection process to ensure a competitive yet fair environment on the challenging 9-hole course.

Among the top golfers expected to put up a strong performance in this year’s event include the likes of Elvis Muigua, the current leaderboard leader fresh from winning the Winston Churchill tournament last weekend, Adel Balala, John Lejirma, and the defending champion, Sammy Mulama.

In a testament to the growing diversity within the sport, the tournament features five top female golfers—Joyce Wanjiru, Nancy Wairimu, Margaret Njoki, Diana Mbuba, and Mercy Nyanchama.

Adding an international flair to the competition, Uganda’s Dominic Musoke and Abdalla Kakooza will be representing their country on the greens, hoping to secure the top honors.

“We are delighted to host this year’s edition of the Golf Park Open. We have prepared meticulously for an unforgettable tournament experience. I would also like to express our gratitude to NCBA Bank for their unwavering support as the title sponsor of this event and we invite golfers to join us for three days of exciting competition,” said Kenneth Lucas Gold Park Captain.

Sponsored by NCBA Bank as title sponsors, the event boasts an impressive prize kitty of Ksh. 500,000, which will be distributed among the top 20 golfers, adding an extra layer of excitement and incentive for participants.

Beyond the excitement of the competition, the NCBA Golf Park Open holds significance in both the Kenya Amateur Golf Ranking and the World Amateur Golf Ranking, providing participants with a valuable opportunity to elevate their standings within the global golfing community.