KBL Managing Director Jane Karuku (L) signs the sponsorship cheque to KOGL, as Director Joe Wangai (R) and KGU Vice chair Anthony Murage look on.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) has today announced a KShs 40 million sponsorship towards the 2019 Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship; a move that sees the alcohol beverage company secure rights to be the official alcoholic beverages partner for the tournament.

KBL added that it has secured a long-term partnership with the Kenya Open Golf Limited, the event organizers of the Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship, for an additional three years.

KBL Managing Director, Mrs. Jane Karuku noted that the decision is founded on the fact that the Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship remains a long-term strategic partner for the organization.

“The Kenya Open is a perfect fit for Johnnie Walker, as it offers us a perfect platform to connect with our premium consumers. This sponsorship goes to show our commitment as a company in supporting sports in the country.” Mrs. Karuku said.

Through its Johnnie Walker product range, KBL will provide a memorable experience to both the fans and players, “Everyone at this year’s Kenya Open should expect world class entertainment and a great experience, courtesy of the Johnnie Walker brand.” Added Mrs. Karuku.

Mrs. Karuku lauded the tournament’s organisers, for achieving European Tour Status. “I would like to congratulate the Kenya Open Golf Limited on the tournament’s promotion to the main European Tour, your efforts to consistently achieve and maintain world-class standards have made the Kenya Open Golf what it is, more than 50 years later.”

Speaking at the same event, Kenya Open Golf Limited Finance Director, Joe Wangai expressed delight at having KBL on board for the Tournament.

“This year we are happy to once again welcome the Kenya Breweries Limited on board, through the Johnnie Walker brand, as the official alcoholic beverage partner. It is through such partners that we can host a successful Kenya Open,” he said.

He added:“We have taken deliberate steps to ensure that the fans have a great time at the tournament, the access to the golf course will be through the village area and with partners like KBL on board, we are sure to have a great experience for all.”

Wangai concluded by urging fans to come out in large numbers to enjoy four days of great golf. “I want to urge all Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to support our local golfers and enjoy four days of great golf.”

The tournament will take place from 14th to 17th March 2019 at Karen Country Club; with 144 golfers, including 12 Kenyan professionals, six Kenyan elite amateurs and over 100 European Tour players, taking part at the Championship.

Ho-sung Choi of South Korea plays his shot from the 18th tee during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course on February 07, 2019 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Internet sensation Ho-sung Choi will tee it up in this year’s Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa as he brings his unorthodox swing to a European Tour event.

The South Korean – who became a social media sensation after footage of his “fisherman’s swing” was widely shared online — has accepted an invitation to compete in the East African event, which takes place at Karen Country Club in Nairobi from March 14-17.

The 45-year-old, who taught himself to play golf after reading about the game in magazines, is well-known for his theatrical swing, but also has three worldwide titles to his name – including the Casio World Open which he won in Japan last year.

What makes Choi’s swing so unique is his follow-through, where he lifts his right foot off the ground and swings it around his body before using one of several different finishing moves.

“I can’t wait to compete on the European Tour,” said Choi, who currently sits just outside the top 200 in the world and has played a total of nine European Tour events dating back to 2009.

“I came to golf later in my life, at the age of 25, after some tough experiences. I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity to play golf around the world, and I am fully aware that none of this would be possible without the love and support of my fans.

“I have never been to Africa, but I have heard great things about Kenya and the golf courses there – I can’t wait to test myself against the European Tour players again.”

“We are delighted to have Ho-sung Choi grace the 2019 Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa,” said Peter Kanyago, Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman.

“His unique style of play appeals to numerous audiences around the world, capturing the attention and imagination of both golfers and non-golfers. It is pleasing to note that ardent followers of his distinct style, from across the world, will get to experience the magic of Kenya by following him in action at the tournament.”

Choi will join the likes of 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn and rising star Shubhankar Sharma in Kenya, which will host a European Tour event for the first time this year having been part of the European Challenge Tour’s International Schedule since 1991.

Tickets for this year’s Magical Kenya Open can be purchased via the website www.kenyaopen.golf.