Kenya Open Golf Limited chairman Peter Kanyago (centre) address the press during the function today.

By CORRESPONDENT

Coca-Cola, through its bottled water brand Dasani became the Platinum sponsor of this year’s Barclays Kenya Open Golf tournament with a Sh8.4 million sponsorship. Dasani becomes the second-tier lead sponsor of the annual golf championship which attracts players from all over the world.

Coca-Cola’s General Manager for East Africa, Peter Njonjo presented the sponsorship cheque to the Kenya Open Golf Limited chairman Peter Kanyago at Karen Club where the revamped tournament will be held from 14^th-17^th February.

The announcement comes of the back of the last week’s commitment by Coca-Cola to sponsor the Easter Weekend Tanahill Shield Golf tournament at the Royal Golf Club to a tune of Sh3 million.  The company has also been sponsoring the Dasani Golf Series for the past 3 years. Through Dasani, Coca-Cola remains one of the unrivalled supporters of golf in Kenya. In light of this background, and with this significant increase towards supporting the Barclays Kenya Open 2013, this positions Dasani as the biggest water sponsor on the local golf scene – reinforcing its status as a globally renowned and trusted brand.

“Through Dasani, we continue to take pride in our association with this prestigious tournament with a high global appeal. We are ecstatic to come on board as the Platinum Sponsor of the Barclays Kenya Open with the hope of not only refreshing the players and spectators during the pro-am and main events but also delivering this growing sport to the many lovers of Golf,” said Njonjo adding that the decision to up the sponsorship from Sh3 million last year was a reflection of the growing stature of the tournament and its value to Dasani as a leading water brand.

The Barclays Kenya Open is part of the European Golf Tour with a high level of visibility globally. Several local and international players will be gunning for the top prizes and a chance to play in the European PGA.

Having grown in magnitude and stature, the Barclays Kenya Open will again host 2 pro-am events this year, to give the local amateurs more opportunities to play with the international and local pros. These will be played concurrently at Muthaiga golf club and the hosting club Karen Golf Club. The Pro-Am (Professional & Amateurs) is a one day tournament held the day before the Kenya Open Championship and marks the “official” start of the championship.  It offers an opportunity for Kenyan amateur golfers to play with professionals on their own turf. The format of play involves a 3-ball of one Professional and 2 Amateurs. In line with Dasani’s continued commitment to supporting golf, Dasani will sponsor one of these 2 Pro-ams at the home of golf – Muthaiga Golf Club – on Wednesday, February 13. golden goose golden goose

Vet Lab’s Mathew Omondi follows his tee shot at a past tournament. He beat Odera on play-off to win this year’s Sigona Bowl competition.

By CORRESPONDENT

Vet Lab’s Mathew Omondi started the new season on a high note with a win in the Gofler Of The Year opening tournament, the Sigona Bowl held at the Sigona Golf Club at the weekend.

Omondi who also plays for the national team, needed a sudden death playoff to beat Kericho’s William Odera to the top prize after they had tied at the end of the third round, both on 224 gross.

The playoff was held on the tenth hole, where Omondi sunk a birdie to rule the roast as Odera only managed a par. Both players picked 23.75 points towards the Goty series competition following their feat at the opening event.

In the first round, Omondi scored 74 gross, before posting 76 in the second round and finished with 74 in the final round, while Odera posted 74 gross in the first round before scoring an identical score of 75 in the second and third rounds.

John Ndichu finished third on 228 gross (72, 77, 77), to pick 21.5 points towards the Goty competition and Erick Ooko was fourth on 230 gross (80, 76, 74) to amass 20 points for the Goty series.

The next Goty event will be the Mount Kenya Championships to be held at the Nyeri Golf Club between February 2 and 3. bracelet pandora charms bracelet pandora charms