EABL Group Managing Director Jane Karuku (L) signs a dummy Ksh 25 million dummy cheque for the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, alongside Wambui Kibe, Johnnie Walker reserve brand manager.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

East African Breweries PLC (EABL), through its premium spirits brand Johnnie Walker, has announced a Sh 25 million combined sponsorship for the upcoming 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open as it seeks to reaffirm its commitment to champion women’s inclusivity in sports.

Set against the breathtaking PGA-accredited Baobab Course at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County from 8th to 11th February 2024, the Magical Kenya Ladies Open stands out as the only Ladies European Tour (LET) – sanctioned women’s professional golf competition in the East and Central African region.

The 72-hole stroke play competition will be the season-opener for the 2024 LET calendar and will feature 108 top local and international golfers competing for the championship title on Africa’s only PGA-accredited golf course. They will be battling it out for a slice of the €300,000 (Sh 52.4 million) total prize money.

Speaking during EABL’s sponsorship announcement event, Jane Karuku, EABL Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director emphasized that the sponsorship is part of the company’s continued commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity in society.

“Today, as we proudly announce our sponsorship for the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open, we want to reaffirm our enduring commitment to fostering our women golfers. This sponsorship goes beyond a financial commitment: it is a testament to EABL’s deep-rooted dedication to championing the cause of inclusion and diversity and therefore our support for the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open is a strategic move to amplify the voices and celebrate the talents of women in golf and beyond,” said Mrs. Karuku

Karuku further reiterated the sponsorship’s seamless alignment with EABL’s broader mission to create a society where every individual, regardless of gender, is afforded equal opportunities to thrive and excel. “The Magical Kenya Ladies Open serves as a platform to showcase the prowess of women in sports and to inspire future generations to break barriers and pursue their dreams relentlessly, in line with the Johnnie Walker brand’s ethos of progress and resilience.”

The event, which is the fourth edition of the tournament, having been held in 2019, 2022, and 2023 has attracted top lady golfers playing in the Ladies European Tour. Among the notable participants who have signed up for the tournament are: Germany’s Alexandra Försterling who won the 2023 VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open and the 2023 Mallorca Ladies Open; the 2023 Amundi German Masters champion Kristýna Napoleaová from Czech Republic; 2023 MKLO runner-up Alice Hewson from England; third-place finisher April Angurasaranee from Thailand; and last year’s hole-in-one sensation, Swedish Lisa Pettersson. Kenya’s own Naomi Wafula will be leading the charge for the local contingent.

U.COM Event Managing Director Dirk Glittenberg said; “We commend EABL and Johnnie Walker for their steadfast support for this tournament and we are honored to have them on board once again. EABL’s dedication to promoting inclusion and diversity aligns seamlessly with the values we cherish in women’s golf. We extend our sincere gratitude to the company for their continued partnership and shared vision in making the Magical Kenya Ladies Open a beacon of excellence and empowerment for lady golfers in this region.”

The tournament will be preceded by a Pro-Am event set for 7th February where Kenya’s amateur golfers will team up with the professionals for a friendly round before the main event.

Following the Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO), the series will continue its journey, making stops in Saudi Arabia before heading to Morocco for the prestigious Lalla Meryem Cup.

Mercy Nyanchama follows her tee-shot during the 2023 Magical Kenya Ladies Open.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

As the anticipation builds for the fourth edition of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO), Kenyan golfers have expressed confidence in delivering an impressive performance at the tournament that is set to unfold at the 18-hole Baobab Course in Vipingo Ridge, from February 8 to 11, 2024.

The only women’s professional golf tournament in East Africa has attracted a field of 108 golfers from around the globe, with the Kenyan contingent comprising of Naomi Wafula, Mercy Nyanchama, Channelle Wangari, Jacqueline Walter, and Kellie Gachaga. The amateurs have been preparing for the LET season opener, aiming to leave a mark by cutting.

Mercy Nyanchama, a four-time participant shared her excitement stating: “I am very excited to be participating in the tournament for the fourth time now. It has been such a great experience, and my hope for this year is to make cut. Playing against top golfers from around the world is an opportunity for me to learn more about the game, and I am sure I will improve my game by watching and learning from them. I have been training here at Golf Park, trying to improve different aspects of my game – importantly, I have been working on my approach shot, which I have been having problems with.”

“I have gained valuable insights from my previous appearances, and they have greatly influenced my preparations for this year’s tournament. The experience fueled my determination to further elevate my game and compete at the highest level. I won the 2023 Karen Ladies Open, which shows that my game has improved. I hope to put up a good showing at this year’s tournament.”

On her part, Jacqueline Walter, a resident golfer and a product of Vipingo Ridge’s PGA Academy, hopes to leverage her familiarity with the Vipingo Ridge course to post a better outing at the tournament this year: “Having competed at the tournament last year, and the fact that I am stationed here, I’m fortunate to be familiar with the course. This familiarity certainly boosts my confidence as I know the challenges and opportunities each hole presents. I am happy to be taking part in the tournament once again, and it is such an honor to represent my country in the tournament. Being part of Vipingo Ridge’s PGA Academy has been instrumental in my golfing journey. The academy provides a world-class training environment with top-notch facilities and expert coaching. The continuous support and resources have allowed me to refine my skills and constantly improve.”

Commenting on her preparedness, she said: “In preparation for this year’s tournament, I have been working on refining certain aspects of my game. Putting has been a key focus, as success on the greens is often a decisive factor in tournaments of this caliber. Physical fitness is another crucial element, and I continue to adhere to fitness routines to ensure endurance and flexibility on the course. The goal for me this year is simply to cut.”

Debutant Kellie Gachaga expressed her excitement stating: “It’s an honor to be part of such a prestigious tournament, and I’m eager to make my mark. The opportunity to compete on the global stage alongside seasoned players is both humbling and inspiring. I’ve been working diligently to prepare for this moment, focusing on improving my skills and embracing the challenges that come with such a high-profile event. I can’t wait to step onto the Course at Vipingo and give it my all.”

Spectators can purchase tickets to the four-day tournament through the online platform www.ticketsasa.com which retails for Sh 500 per day.