From-left-to-right-Mathew-Omondi-Edwin-Mudanyi-Isaac-Makhoha-John-Wangai-and-Justus-Madoya

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Though this year’s newly introduced Kenya Savannah Classic – a newly-sanctioned European Tour event to be held at Karen Country Club – will have no spectators because of the COVID-19 pandemic, golf enthusiasts in Kenya will still be able to catch all the action as the event begins tomorrow.

DStv, which has the exclusive pay television rights, is giving Kenyan golf followers access to watch the inaugural Kenya Savannah Classic event at the comfort of their homes, at their favourite popular joints, or stream live on the DStv App. While announcing the channel number and bouquet, MultiChoice Kenya Managing Director, Nancy Matimu said: “We are proud that Kenya is hosting this edition of the European Tour for which DStv has the exclusive pay television rights. Our mission is to deliver value to our customers by making great entertainment more accessible. We find and develop the right mix of content and deliver it to Kenyans anytime, anywhere. You can either catch the action from the comfort of your house or anywhere else via the DStv Now app.’’

Since international golfing activities were allowed in mid-2020, all events have been played under strict adherence of the COVID-19 restrictions. Such events are played as closed events with very limited number of players and their caddies allowed.

This is the case with Kenya Savannah Classic. Only the players and their caddies and a limited number of officials all of whom must be in the bubble will be allowed at Karen, hence most of the Kenyan golf following can only rely on the live screening of the matches. “We want to assure Kenyan golf followers that they do not have to worry about not being at Karen as we will transmit to them wherever they will be’’ added Nancy.

The following is the schedule time:

• Visit com for a full line up of the European and PGA Tour schedules.

• Dial *423# now to buy, pay, reconnect or clear errors.

• To manage your account, download the MyDStv App.

• To enjoy all the extra entertainment on the move, download the DStv App which allows you to watch from wherever you are at no additional cost.

• You can also visit the official DStv Kenya social media pages via the handles below:

@DStvKenya

@DStv_Kenya

From left to right: Mathew Omondi and Edwin Mudanyi of Vet Lab, Kate Arudo (PR Manager Betika), Isaac Makhoha of Vet Lab, John Wangai of Sigona and Justus Madoya of Great Rift Valley Lodge.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Five local professional golfers today received a shot in the arm after betting firm Betika sponsored them ahead of the Kenya Open Golf Championships set for Karen Country Club from Thursday.

Betika, through the Betika na Community Initiative extended support worth Ksh 545,000 towards John Wangai of Sigona Club who also doubles up as the Professional Golfers of Kenya captain, Justus Madoya of the Great Rift Valley Club and the Vet Lab trio of Edwin Mudanyi, Mathew Omondi and Isaac Makhoha.

Isaac Makokha made history by becoming the first golfer with hearing impairment to clinch the Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship title, after beating Jay Sandhu of Royal Nairobi Golf Club 3-2 in the 36-hole final at the par 72 Vet Lab Sports Club course and in the process earned a ticket to this year’s Kenya Open.

“We are grateful to Betika for its sponsorship to attend the 2021 Kenya Open. This speaks to the brand’s continued commitment to the growth and development of sports in the country. We are pleased that Betika has continued to stand by us, even now, under tough COVID-19 restrictions and circumstances where we have to go for a Bubble camp for 14 days to be able to play in the tournament. It shows that, indeed, Betika is passionate about the growth of sports in Kenya and sincere in its sponsorship,” said Isaac Makokha

Speaking during the handover, the firm’s Public Relations Manager, Kate Arudo said: “Our aim is to support all types of sports, and this golf sponsorship is a testament of how committed we are to supporting Kenyan talent. The five golfers receiving the sponsorship have impressed us with their discipline and focus in advancing at golf and we wish them continued success this season”.

The tournament, which is part of the elite European Tour will include 12 Kenyan pros, with Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe being represented by a player each.

Betika Na Community has now grown into a massive movement with huge following across the country. Betika continues to reaffirm their commitment in investing in sports, arts and culture across the country in 2021.