Chief Enterprise Officer, Safaricom PLC, Rita Okuthe hands over a five million Kenya shilling cheque to Kenya Open Golf Limited, Chairman Peter Kanyago(L) for the magical Kenya Open 2020 at Michael Joseph Center.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Safaricom has today announced a KSH 5 million sponsorship towards the 2020 Kenya Open, scheduled to take place at the Karen Country Club from 12^th – 15^th March 2020.

As the official connectivity partner, Safaricom will set up a fully operational media centre with high speed internet, laptops and a printer. They will also set up connectivity for key areas such as the European Tour Offices, Kenya Open Golf Limited offices and provide fibre for the TV compound broadcast so that it is streamed to local and global media partners.

“Over the last six years with the exception of 2019, we have delivered first class internet and data solutions to support the media and livestream requirements for the event’s local and global broadcasts. This has allowed us to reinforce the strength, reliability and speed of our data solutions. We remain committed to playing our role in transforming lives through sports and Kenya Open is an important platform for us to do this,” said Rita Okuthe, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Safaricom.

This year’s Kenya Open will feature a strong field of talent comprising a total of 138 professionals and 6 amateur players (5 Kenyan and 1 Tanzanian) competing for a prize kitty of €1.1M (KSH 122.94 Million).

“We thank Safaricom for their support of the 2020 Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship. Through this sponsorship, Safaricom will, once again, provide the tournament with cutting edge connectivity and communication solutions that will meet the demands of the tournament”, said Peter Kanyago, Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman

During the event, which is taking place for a second time as part of the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, the scoring teams will be able to capture scores and data through the provision of 20 4G enabled tablets and phones.

Prior to the main tournament, the venue will host a Pro-Am tournament on Wednesday where visiting players will join club members and sponsors guests for a round of golf.

Part of action during last weekend’s Captain’s Prize (Peter Mwaura).

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Action will be back at Ruiru Sports Club as the Lady Captain’s Prize (Mary Muthoni) tees off on Saturday.

After hosting one of the biggest golfing events in the country this year last weekend—the Captain’s Prize (Peter Mwaura)— the Thika Road based facility has drawn nearly 250 golfers for the latest fete.

This will mark the end of a one-year tenure for Mary Muthoni, a seasoned golfer who took over in April last year after serving a Vice Lady Captain the previous year.

“It’s an exciting way to sign out after being in the thick of things for the past year. We are looking forward for an excellent tournament,” she said.

The Captain’s Prize which was held in honour of the outgoing golf captain Peter Mwaura, attracted 261 golfers. The event was sponsored by KCB Bank Kenya and a host of other partners.

The Lady Captain’s tourney will be sponsored by among others Landmark Motors, Coca-Cola and Radiant Group of Hospitals.

Last weekend’s top performers like Father James Kinuthia, Kimani Munyua, Isaac Nguku, Lucy Kwendo and Irene Wamoro will be hoping to defend their wins.

The event has drawn in golfers from other clubs accross Kenya, with an array of prizes on offer.

Several local professional golfers are also expected to grace the event for a prize money of Sh 50,000.

Last weekend, Simon Ngige topped the charts at Ruiru during the Captain’s Prize, beating seven others.