KGU Chairman Anthony Muhoro

By FIDEL ONO

For the first time, only four amateur players will represent the country at this year’s Kenya Open Golf Championships to be held at the par 72 Karen Golf and Country Club between March 17 and 20.

The decision was made by Kenya Golf Union (KGU) this week and will see foreigners take the other two slots to make the six amateurs for the Premier golfing event.

The foreigners are Ronald Otile from Uganda and Romaine Langasque from France.

The local amateurs will be led by national golf team captain Kenneth Bollo of Royal Nairobi Golf Club, reigning golfer of the year John Karichu and John Kariuki from Limuru and Nyali’s Mathew Wahome.

Karichu qualified for the Open by virtue of being the Golfer Of The Year 2015 champion while Bollo is the current leader in this year’s GOTY series and Kariuki is the current amateur strokeplay championship. The South Africa based Wahome was included in the Open list because he is the top junior in the country. He won the GOTY in the Junior series last year.
Usually, the GOTY champion, amateur strokeplay and matchplay champions qualify for the Open. Last year’s Matchplay champion is Kericho’s William Odera who however could not be included the in Karen-bound team as he is currently under suspension from his club hence his slot was offered to the Uganda Open champion Otile.
For an amateur to play in the Kenya Open, he must be playing off scratch or better. And like the professionals, the amateurs must make the second round cut to continue playing in the last two rounds. cheap air max cheap air max

Dr. S. R. Ndegwa a Director of Kenya Open Golf LTD admires a Chevrolet Trailblazer hole-in-one prize for Kenya Open Golf Tournament.

By CORRESPONDENT

Automotive assembler General Motors East Africa and accredited Chevrolet dealer Pewin Motors have today officially announced a sponsorship deal for the Kenya Open Golf Championships 2016. The deal will see the tournament receive funding to the tune of Ksh 2 million.

The tournament, which is scheduled to take place from 17^th march to 20^th March will have several prizes at stake including a Chevrolet Trailblazer for the first Hole–in– one shot by the contestants.

General Motors East Africa steps in as second time sponsors of the prestigious golf tournament to affirm its commitment in supporting the sport in Kenya, having sponsored more than 10 golf competitions last year.

Speaking during the cheque presentation ceremony at Chevrolet’s Sameer Park showroom, General Motors East Africa Managing Director Rita Kavashe expressed the company’s commitment to the sport in Kenya, the company being one of the largest corporate investors in the sport.

“The Kenya Open Golf tournament is like no other, as it brings together like minded golf enthusiasts and people who want to enjoy playing golf. It is the right place to showcase our Chevrolet range of vehicles and provide an opportunity for our customers to experience and understand the Chevrolet brand.” she said.

The tournament has gained traction in the sporting scene playing host to the best talent Kenya has to offer with the recent upsurge of professional golfers in the country. The current commitment by General Motors EA is expected to further strengthen the sport under their Chevrolet brand.

Commenting on the sponsorship announcement, Pewin Motors Managing Director David Kirigua said: “We are proud to partner once more with the Kenya Open Golf Limited to ensure that this year’s event is a resounding success.”

Speaking at the same event, Kenya Golf Union Chairman, Anthony Muhoro expressed delight at having Pewin Motors as sponsors for the second year. He also stated that the tournament has been made more competitive by the incentive given by Pewin Motors LTD. This year, both amateurs and professional players have an equal chance of winning the car.

“In previous years, only professional golfers could lay claim to the hole in one prize – but the Rules of Golf have since changed and today even amateur golfers can win the Chevrolet car that will be on offer as a hole in one prize,” said Mr. Muhoro.

Dr. Samson Rueben Ndegwa, Director, Kenya Open Golf LTD also retaliated the commitment of Kenya Open Tournament in organizing an event that caters for all. He also stated that the tournament is a great marketing tool for Kenya as a tourist destination.

“Sports plays akey role in attracting tourists to the country and Kenya Open is no exception,” he said.

The 2016 Kenya Open Golf Tournament has seen many other sponsors come on board to promote the sport. The championship is the most significant event in the country’s golf calendar and it presents a great experience to golf players and followers in the country.

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