Dimas Indiza with the winning prize at Karen Club today.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

It was a roller coaster for Mumias Golf Club’s Dismas Indiza at the Par 72 Karen Country Club when he came from behind once again to stun Ronald Rugumayo of Uganda by two shots and clinch the Karen Safari Tour title by six shots in the final round after hitting an impressive -18.

As a result of the win, Indiza maintained the first sport in the overall standings after the final Safari Tour leg where eight Kenyan players and two foreigners who made their cut to the prestigious Magical Kenya Open were announced.

At today’s action, Indiza grabbed the lead from Rugumayo in the front nine where he posted an eagle at number two and a birdie at number eight whilst his rival of the day Ronald Rugumayo of Uganda bogeyed number four and nine to forfeit the lead.

In the back nine Indiza fired a total of three birdies and a single bogey while Rugumayo bogeyed numbers 9,13,16 and 17 and two birdies at number 12 and 18.

Dismas Indiza’s comeback play came into play in the final round as was in the case at the Par 72 Limuru Country Club and the Uganda Open where his adrenaline-charged comeback turned the game from Visitor Mapwanya and Ronald Rugumayo in Uganda, respectively.

After the win, Dismas Indiza said “It was not easy playing against my juniors, they must know ‘Mzee’ is around and I must show the boys the way and if we play this way in the Kenya Open then we will have good prospects. The course was up to the standard like the Kenya Open and we must all turn up to support the boys to win the Kenya Open.”

The Chairman Professional Golfers of Kenya CJ Wangai said “Thank you KOGL and Karen Country Club for a wonderful course, the greens were fantastic, firm, and quick.”

The title sponsor SBM Bank head of communications and marketing Magdalene Mulandi said “It has been an amazing time being part of the Safari tour and all the golfers put up a spectacular show. Golf is in our DNA and we are happy to be here.”

Meanwhile, Visitor Mapwanya and Ronald Rugumayo will be the internationals to play in the Kenya Open. Rugumayo’s 18th-hole birdie was crucial for his entry into the Kenya Open after the shot beat fellow countryman Dave Kamulindwa by a point on the overall points.

Joining Dismas Indiza in the incoming MKO is Samuel Njoroge, Greg Snow, Daniel Nduva, Njoroge Kibugu, Mike Kisia, Mohit Mediratta, and Mutahi Kibugu in that respect.

EABL Group Managing Director Jane Karuku (L) signs a dummy Ksh 25 million dummy cheque for the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, alongside Wambui Kibe, Johnnie Walker reserve brand manager.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

East African Breweries PLC (EABL), through its premium spirits brand Johnnie Walker, has announced a Sh 25 million combined sponsorship for the upcoming 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open as it seeks to reaffirm its commitment to champion women’s inclusivity in sports.

Set against the breathtaking PGA-accredited Baobab Course at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County from 8th to 11th February 2024, the Magical Kenya Ladies Open stands out as the only Ladies European Tour (LET) – sanctioned women’s professional golf competition in the East and Central African region.

The 72-hole stroke play competition will be the season-opener for the 2024 LET calendar and will feature 108 top local and international golfers competing for the championship title on Africa’s only PGA-accredited golf course. They will be battling it out for a slice of the €300,000 (Sh 52.4 million) total prize money.

Speaking during EABL’s sponsorship announcement event, Jane Karuku, EABL Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director emphasized that the sponsorship is part of the company’s continued commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity in society.

“Today, as we proudly announce our sponsorship for the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open, we want to reaffirm our enduring commitment to fostering our women golfers. This sponsorship goes beyond a financial commitment: it is a testament to EABL’s deep-rooted dedication to championing the cause of inclusion and diversity and therefore our support for the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open is a strategic move to amplify the voices and celebrate the talents of women in golf and beyond,” said Mrs. Karuku

Karuku further reiterated the sponsorship’s seamless alignment with EABL’s broader mission to create a society where every individual, regardless of gender, is afforded equal opportunities to thrive and excel. “The Magical Kenya Ladies Open serves as a platform to showcase the prowess of women in sports and to inspire future generations to break barriers and pursue their dreams relentlessly, in line with the Johnnie Walker brand’s ethos of progress and resilience.”

The event, which is the fourth edition of the tournament, having been held in 2019, 2022, and 2023 has attracted top lady golfers playing in the Ladies European Tour. Among the notable participants who have signed up for the tournament are: Germany’s Alexandra Försterling who won the 2023 VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open and the 2023 Mallorca Ladies Open; the 2023 Amundi German Masters champion Kristýna Napoleaová from Czech Republic; 2023 MKLO runner-up Alice Hewson from England; third-place finisher April Angurasaranee from Thailand; and last year’s hole-in-one sensation, Swedish Lisa Pettersson. Kenya’s own Naomi Wafula will be leading the charge for the local contingent.

U.COM Event Managing Director Dirk Glittenberg said; “We commend EABL and Johnnie Walker for their steadfast support for this tournament and we are honored to have them on board once again. EABL’s dedication to promoting inclusion and diversity aligns seamlessly with the values we cherish in women’s golf. We extend our sincere gratitude to the company for their continued partnership and shared vision in making the Magical Kenya Ladies Open a beacon of excellence and empowerment for lady golfers in this region.”

The tournament will be preceded by a Pro-Am event set for 7th February where Kenya’s amateur golfers will team up with the professionals for a friendly round before the main event.

Following the Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO), the series will continue its journey, making stops in Saudi Arabia before heading to Morocco for the prestigious Lalla Meryem Cup.