By FIDEL ONO

A large field of 224 players have entered for Saturday’s first round of this year’s Barclays Golf Circuit to take part at the par 71 Limuru Golf Club.

Top action is guaranteed at the day long event since only five slots are available for the grand finale to be held at Karen Club next year and with a big field of 224 golfers competing for the limited tickets, it will certainly guarantee a cut throat competition.

Limuru Club captain Anthony Wangare has promised players a round to remember, noting that the course is in a wonderful condition and that good scores could be realised.

“The course is at one of it’s best conditions ever. In one month we have already hosted two major events including the Limuru Open and KCB Pro AM and we are privileged to be hosting the first leg of the Barclays Golf Circuit,” said Wangare.

He added: “The course is playing well, the rough is pretty low, but the greens could be a bit slow in the morning because of the dew and would be very fast is the afternoon. In the last one week we have also re-opened two greens, on the first hole and 13^th.”

Limuru’s round is the first in the circuit which will move to 13 more clubs then conclude with a grand finale at Karen on February 22, 2014.

The circuit was launched on Wednesday at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, where organisers said this year’s edition was aimed at supporting the development of golf in the country as well as build momentum towards the 2014 Barclays Kenya Open.

A total of 25 clubs have confirmed participation in the circuit that is expected to attract more than 3, 000 golfers and will visit all parts of the country.

Last year’s grand finale winner Tanvin Khan from Sigona Golf Club will be keen to defend his title this year and has entered for the opening round in Limuru where he will battle it out with more than 100 players for the limited qualifying slots.

Speaking at yesterday’s launch, Barclays Head of Consumer Banking Zahid Mustafa said: “The Barclays Golf Circuit is a tournament that we hold dear as Barclays, not only because of the brand association but also the role that this tournament has played in nurturing golf talent in the country. This was evident from the exemplary performance of last editions Barclays circuit finalists during the premier Barclays Kenya Open tournament.”

The overall winner during the grand finale will land a fully paid golfing tour on the expansive golf courses in South Africa, while the top 20 at the finale will get slots to play at next year’s Barclays Kenya Open Golf Pro Am.

“The pro-am is a dream for any amateur golfer where they get an opportunity to play with mainly top European professionals that grace the Barclays Kenya Open. Courtesy of Barclays hospitality, they will also get season tickets and VIP guest passes to the Barclays Hospitality tent at the Barclays Kenya Open,” said Mustafa.

Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairman Frank Okwara said: “As a union we are proud to be associated with the Barclays Golf Circuit because it is a tourney that provides a platform for our golfers to not only compete and network with their industry peers but also ensure that they are involved in supporting worthy causes in our communities.”

The circuit will this year be held in Limuru, Eldoret, Vet Lab, Sigona, Nyeri, Machakos, Nakuru, Nyanza, Thika, Royal, Nyali, Windsor, Muthaiga and Karen. golden goose deluxe brand golden goose deluxe brand

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