Alvin Mbugua, EABL General Manager, Spirits.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its premium whisky brand Johnnie Walker, has today announced a KES 40 million sponsorship for the 2025 Magical Kenya Open, reaffirming its long-standing partnership with the tournament.

As part of this sponsorship, Johnnie Walker will serve as the Official Alcohol Beverage Partner for the event, which is a key fixture in the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour). The 56th edition of the Magical Kenya Open is scheduled to take place from February 20–23, 2025, at the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Club, with a Pro-Am tournament preceding it on February 19.

KBL’s sponsorship will enhance the tournament experience by providing entertainment at the Tournament Village and offering fans a taste of its world-class brands. Additionally, the funding will support Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) in organizing logistics and ensuring a seamless event.

KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti signs a Ksh 40m dummy cheque for Johnnie Walker’s sponsorship for the 2025 Kenya Open.

The 2025 Magical Kenya Open remains one of Africa’s most prestigious golf tournaments, drawing elite players from across the globe. This year’s edition will feature 144 professional golfers competing for a prize purse of $2.5 million (approx. KES 320 million).

Speaking at the Johnnie Walker sponsorship presentation at the Kenya Railway Golf Club, KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti expressed pride in the company’s continued support of the tournament.

“We are proud to renew our partnership with the Magical Kenya Open through our premium spirit brand, Johnnie Walker. As a long-standing supporter of golf in Kenya, we are committed to providing fans with a bespoke and memorable experience at the tournament. We look forward to bringing excitement to the Tournament Village and promise fans an unforgettable time,” said Ocitti.

KOGL Tournament Director Patrick Obath commended KBL for its unwavering support, noting that the sponsorship is critical to the tournament’s success.

“We are delighted to have KBL renew its partnership with the Magical Kenya Open as the Official Alcohol Beverage Sponsor. This sponsorship will assist us in meeting key obligations, including event logistics and prize-giving. The Magical Kenya Open plays a crucial role in positioning Kenya as a premier international tourism and sporting destination. We look forward to welcoming top golfers and urge Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to support their favorites and showcase our country’s hospitality.”

KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti (L) presents a Ksh 40m sponsorship to KOGL Tournament Director Patrick Obath.

Kenya will field a contingent of eight professional players who secured their place in the tournament through qualifier events organized by the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK). They include Njoroge Kibugu, Greg Snow, David Wakhu, Samuel Njoroge, Dismas Indiza, Mohit Mediratta, Riz Charania, and Edwin Mudanyi.

The tournament will also feature a lineup of Kenyan amateur golfers, who have earned their qualification through outstanding performances in various competitions. Leading the pack is Michael Karanga, the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) 2024 Champion, alongside John Lejirma, the KAGC 2024 Runner-Up. William Odek, the Strokeplay Champion, and Uganda’s Michael Alunga, the 2024 Matchplay Champion, will also be flying the Kenyan flag high. Completing the amateur lineup is Shashwat Harish, who qualified as the Top Junior at the NCBA Kenya Invitational 2025 held in January.

NCBA Bank Chairman Isaac Awuondo in action during the VetLab Sports Club leg of the NCBA Golf Series 2025.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The 9-hole Malindi Golf & Country Club is set to host the third event of the 2025 NCBA Golf Series this Saturday, 8^th February, bringing together over 100 golfers from across the Coastal region to compete for top honors.

The tournament will see the golfers vie for the four available slots to participate in the NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale later in the year. They will include, the Overall Winner, Men Winner, Lady Winner, and the Junior Winner.

Speaking ahead of the Malindi event, Malindi Golf & Country Club Chairman, Benjamin Wasige expressed confidence about the tournament preparations and the expected turnout:

“We are delighted to once again welcome the NCBA Golf Series to Malindi Golf Club. Our course is in excellent condition, and we expect a strong field of participants, including both local golfers and visitors from across the region. We appreciate NCBA for their continued support of the sport and for bringing this series back to Malindi. Their commitment to golf has provided players with incredible opportunities to hone their skills and engage in high-level competition and we look forward to a fantastic day of competition,” he said.

NCBA Group Managing Director, John Gachora said: “We are delighted to bring the NCBA Golf Series to different parts of the country, reinforcing our commitment to the growth of the sport. Malindi marks the first event of the year to be held in the coastal region under the series, and we look forward to an exciting tournament that brings together both seasoned and upcoming golfers. This event is not just about competition; it is also about providing a platform for the golfing community to create meaningful connections, building friendships, and strengthening the golfing community in Kenya and beyond.”

This event follows the successful second leg of the NCBA Golf Series, held last week at Nandi Bears Golf Club which drew participation from over 150 golfers drawn from across the region, including those from Kakamega, Kericho, and Eldoret golf clubs.

Home player Martin Mengech (handicap 45) delivered a stellar performance, carding an impressive 46 points to win the Overall Winner. In the Men’s Category, Boaz Sugut, playing off handicap 21, took first place with 39 points, while Joyce Rotich (handicap 31) claimed victory in the Ladies’ Category, scoring an impressive 45 points.

Among the juniors, 14-year-old Protus Ambani shone brightly, delivering a strong performance with 33 points to win the Junior Category. The four golfers—Mengech, Sugut, Rotich, and Ambani— became the latest to qualify for the Grand Finale, where they will face off against other winners from the series for the championship title at the end of the year.