Hemingways Nairobi General Manager Richard Kimenyi, Hemingways Collection CEO Alastair Addison, Kathleen Kihanya, Kenya Open Golf Limited Sponsorship and Publicity Director and Francis Okwara, Director of Kenya Open Golf Limited unveil Hemingways Nairobi as official hotel partner of 2019 Magical Kenya Open.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Luxury hotel operator Hemingways Collection has announced a Ksh 4 million sponsorship for the Magical Kenya Open 2019 golf championship that is set to tee off at the Karen Country Club on March 14.

Hemingways Nairobi will provide 48 room nights, becoming the Official Hotel Partner for the Championship that is part of the European Tour and has attracted 144 players from across the world.

Alastair Addison, Hemingways Collections Chief Executive Officer, said partnering with the acclaimed championship was part of the hotel operator’s strategy to participate in activities that promote Kenya as a preferred destination for leisure, business and sports tourism.

“We are partnering with the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) for the second season now and this year’s event is particularly dear to us following the entry of the government through the ministry of tourism as title sponsors,” Mr Addison said.

“The Magical Kenya Open 2019 is set to not only enthrall fans with world class golfing but also position Kenya as a prime venue for international sports tournaments.”

He added that inclusion of Magical Kenya Open 2019 as part of the European Tour will usher in a new era for the event and raise the profile of Kenyan players.

Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) welcomed the sponsorship and expressed delight with the partnership extended so far by various sectors to support the growth and development of golf in Kenya.

“We are extremely delighted with the immense support and enthusiasm showed by Hemingways Collection over the years. Their continued support for the event speaks volumes to the kind of tournament we are going to experience this year,” said Kathleen Kihanya , Sponsorship and Publicity Director, KOGL.

“We particularly thank the board and management of Hemingways Collection for their support and great hospitality; a key component for the success of the tournament,’’ she added.

Hemingways Collection has been a dedicated promoter of tourism and conservation efforts in the country and has over the years multiplied efforts to help market the country as a prime golf destination.

Kenya’s flag will be flown by 18 golf players; 12 professional and 6 elite amateurs. Among the pros will include Safari Tour winner Greg Snow, Dismas Indiza, David Opati and Rizwan Charania. The amateur team will be led by Daniel Nduva of Nyali Golf and Country Club, Samuel Njoroge of Railway Golf Club and Mutahi Kibugu of Muthaiga Golf Club.

Since it begun in 1967, the event has continued to attract elite golfers from across the world. This year’s championship will be headlined by 15-time European Tour Champion former Ryder Cup captain, Thomas Bjorn.

The 2019 event will in addition mark a major milestone as it will be broadcast live by national and international media, potentially reaching millions of viewers from across the globe.

KBL Managing Director Jane Karuku (L) signs the sponsorship cheque to KOGL, as Director Joe Wangai (R) and KGU Vice chair Anthony Murage look on.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) has today announced a KShs 40 million sponsorship towards the 2019 Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship; a move that sees the alcohol beverage company secure rights to be the official alcoholic beverages partner for the tournament.

KBL added that it has secured a long-term partnership with the Kenya Open Golf Limited, the event organizers of the Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship, for an additional three years.

KBL Managing Director, Mrs. Jane Karuku noted that the decision is founded on the fact that the Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship remains a long-term strategic partner for the organization.

“The Kenya Open is a perfect fit for Johnnie Walker, as it offers us a perfect platform to connect with our premium consumers. This sponsorship goes to show our commitment as a company in supporting sports in the country.” Mrs. Karuku said.

Through its Johnnie Walker product range, KBL will provide a memorable experience to both the fans and players, “Everyone at this year’s Kenya Open should expect world class entertainment and a great experience, courtesy of the Johnnie Walker brand.” Added Mrs. Karuku.

Mrs. Karuku lauded the tournament’s organisers, for achieving European Tour Status. “I would like to congratulate the Kenya Open Golf Limited on the tournament’s promotion to the main European Tour, your efforts to consistently achieve and maintain world-class standards have made the Kenya Open Golf what it is, more than 50 years later.”

Speaking at the same event, Kenya Open Golf Limited Finance Director, Joe Wangai expressed delight at having KBL on board for the Tournament.

“This year we are happy to once again welcome the Kenya Breweries Limited on board, through the Johnnie Walker brand, as the official alcoholic beverage partner. It is through such partners that we can host a successful Kenya Open,” he said.

He added:“We have taken deliberate steps to ensure that the fans have a great time at the tournament, the access to the golf course will be through the village area and with partners like KBL on board, we are sure to have a great experience for all.”

Wangai concluded by urging fans to come out in large numbers to enjoy four days of great golf. “I want to urge all Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to support our local golfers and enjoy four days of great golf.”

The tournament will take place from 14th to 17th March 2019 at Karen Country Club; with 144 golfers, including 12 Kenyan professionals, six Kenyan elite amateurs and over 100 European Tour players, taking part at the Championship.