From Left – KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti, Kenyan pro golfers Samuel Njoroge and Dismas Indiza and KOGL Commercial Director Ronald Meru at Muthaiga today.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its premium whisky brand Johnnie Walker, has announced a Sh 34 million sponsorship boost for the 2024 Magical Kenya Open, renewing its long-standing partnership with the tournament.

The sponsorship grants EABL the right to be the Official Alcoholic Beverage partner of the tournament, through which it will seek to elevate the event’s experience, sponsoring entertainment at the tournament village and offering fans a taste of its brands. The sponsorship will also support the tournament organizers, the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) to meet their obligations around event organization and the prize money.

Additionally, EABL will sponsor three of the Kenyan pro golfers participating in the tournament; Dismas Indiza, Samuel Njoroge, and Daniel Nduva.

The Magical Kenya Open is held under the umbrella of the DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) and is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Africa, attracting elite golfers from across the world. This year, the event will be held from February 22 – 25, 2024 at the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Club, with a Pro-Am preceding it on February 21. This year’s event will mark the fifth staging of a full European Tour event in Kenya since it was added to the elite series in 2019.

This year’s edition has attracted 144 elite golfers from Kenya and around the world who will battle for the $2.5 million (approximately KES 360,000,000) prize purse.

Speaking during the sponsorship announcement, Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) Managing Director Mark Ocitti expressed the company’s pride in being a longtime supporter of the tournament and the sport of golf in Kenya in general. Mr. Ocitti noted that the sponsorship is in line with Johnnie Walker’s Keep Walking philosophy and promised fans a great experience courtesy of Johnnie Walker.

“We are proud to renew our partnership with the Magical Kenya Open and to sponsor the tournament 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 seeing our brands bring excitement to the tournament village and we promise fans an unforgettable experience,” said Ocitti.

 “We are particularly proud to support the three Kenyan golfers, Greg Snow, Dismas Indiza, and Samuel Njoroge, as part of our sponsorship, in line with our Keep Walking philosophy that seeks to support everyone to be the best version of themselves in whatever they do,” added Ocitti.

KOGL Commercial Director Ronald Meru commended EABL for the sponsorship, noting it will assist in ensuring the success of the tournament: “We are delighted to have EABL renew its partnership with the Magical Kenya Open and to have them as the Official Alcohol Beverage Sponsor. This sponsorship will assist us in meeting our obligations around eventing and prize-giving money. The Magical Kenya Open is an important tournament that plays a significant role in positioning Kenya as an international tourism and sporting destination. We are excited to welcome international golfers to our country and promise them the best experience. I urge Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to cheer on their favorite golfers and showcase our,” said Meru.

The Kenyan contingent at the tournament will comprise Dismas Indiza, Greg Snow, Mike Kisia, Mohit Mediratta, Samuel Njoroge, Daniel Nduva, Jastas Madoya, Mutahi Kibugu, and Njoroge Kibugu. The nine were picked from the Safari Tour Order of Merit, where the top eight locals and two best regional players made slots for the MKO.

The regional qualifiers are Zimbabwean Visitor Mapwanya and Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo, Ugandan David Kamulindwa.

The eight local pros and two regional golfers will be joined by four local amateurs including John Lejirma, Deaflympics bronze medalist Isaac Makokha, Africa’s second-best hitter Michael Karanga, Josphat Rono, and Taimur Malik.

Angela Muiruri, former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba on the sidelines of the 2024 MKLO event in Vipingo.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

Over the past week, more than 100 talented female golfers from across the globe converged at Vipingo Ridge for the highly anticipated 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open. Held at the Baobab Course, this event stands as the sole Ladies European Tour (LET)-sanctioned women’s professional golf competition in the East and Central African region.

On Sunday, February 11, the tournament concluded with 19-year-old debutant Shannon Tan from Singapore emerging as the victor. Tan’s final round of 3 under par 70 propelled her to a total score of 12 under par 280, securing her the prestigious title.

Beyond the thrilling golfing action, Vipingo Ridge provided a stunning backdrop for a variety of captivating activities. Golfers and spectators were treated to the enchanting sight of zebras and giraffes leisurely roaming across the manicured lawns, adding a unique and wild element to the ambiance.

Sports CS Ababu Namwamba at the Vipingo Ridge on Saturday, February 10, 2024 during the third round of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open.

Vipingo Ridge isn’t merely a golf destination; it’s a harmonious fusion of sport and nature, where the excitement of competition converges with the untamed beauty of the animal kingdom. This sanctuary blurs the lines between golfers and wildlife, offering an unforgettable experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of the game.

Entertainment was also a highlight, with the sponsored entertainment village by EABL through the Johnnie Walker brand. Each day brought a jubilant atmosphere, with the vibrant grounds coming alive with food, music, and entertainment as the sunset. Capital FM’s top DJs took center stage in the evenings, courtesy of Johnnie Walker, providing an electrifying symphony that reverberated throughout the venue.

The festivities kicked off with the Cut Party on Friday, featuring renowned DJs Andy Capp and DJ Leo. Saturday saw DJ Schwaz and DJ Stretch taking over the decks, followed by DJ UV and DJ Adrian closing out the weekend on Sunday.

The event also attracted various high-end personalities, including the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mungaro, and former Mombasa County Governor Hassan Joho, among others.