Members of Muthaiga Golf Club team pose with the Patron’s Cup after winning last year’s edition of the event.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

The heartbeat of golf echoes louder as Muthaiga Golf Club, known as the “Home of Golf,” proudly presents the second annual Patron’s Cup – an electrifying three-day tournament that tees off on Friday morning.

The prestigious tournament encapsulates legacy, camaraderie, and spirited competition. The verdant fairways at the par 71 golf course will bear witness to a celebration of excellence, bringing together golf enthusiasts from across the country.

Sanctioned by the Kenya Golf Union (KGU), a consortium of 14 golf clubs will feature in this grand competition. The event will comprise four distinct pools which include Trophy Pool, Shield Pool, Plaque Pool, and Bowl Pool.

The notable contenders within the Trophy Pool include hosts Muthaiga Golf Club, the custodians of the Patron’s Cup, together with Sigona Golf Club and Vetlab Sports Club. Meanwhile, the Shield Pool will feature participants from Kenya Railway Golf Club, Nyali Golf and Country Club, and Royal Nairobi Golf Club. The Plaque Pool will include Golf Park, Karen Country Club, Limuru Country Club, and Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club. Lastly, the Bowl Pool will feature representatives from Eldoret Club, Kiambu Golf Club, Mombasa Golf Club, and Thika Sports Club. This strategic allocation aims to foster spirited competition and enhance the grandeur of the forthcoming event.

The tournament honors the late President Mwai Kibaki, the third President of the Republic of Kenya and an ardent golfer who played an instrumental role in the development of golf across the country. In 1978, he was elevated to the status of Patron of the Kenya Golf Union, and his stewardship fostered a golf renaissance, making the sport accessible to all. Mr. Kavit Bhakoo, Chairman of Muthaiga Golf Club, emphasizes, “This tournament not only celebrates his legacy but also underscores our commitment to fostering a community of sportsmanship and camaraderie among golf enthusiasts.”

Action tees off this morning with an afternoon Foursomes Matchplay. Tomorrow’s action begins with an engaging Four Ball Better Ball match in the morning, followed by another round of exciting Foursomes Matchplay in the afternoon. Then the climax will be on Sunday, where golf fans will be treated to a Singles Matchplay showdown with 12 individual representatives from each of the 14 golf clubs going head-to-head in their respective pools.

The Prize Giving ceremony is scheduled for 6 pm on Sunday.

According to the organizers, as an added treat, this year’s Patron’s Cup edition promises an enhanced experience for spectators. Evenings at the tournament village will feature food, music, and entertainment, with an impressive lineup of DJs set to perform.

KCB Bank Kenya Senior Relationship Manager Millicent Melo follows her tee shot
during the 10 th leg of the KCB East Africa Golf Tour in Kericho on August 12 th . She won
the staff winner award.

By DANIELLA APIYO AND AMANDA DAMARIS

KCB has supported the Kenya Ladies Open Golf Union Amateur Tournament scheduled for this weekend at the par 72 Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

Saturday’s action will see over 100 lady golfers from Nairobi and its environs take on the 18-hole course as KCB continues with its efforts to enhance the sport in the country.

Through the KCB East Africa Golf Tour, the bank has reached over 1, 300 participants and over 600 juniors and ladies who take part in the clinics that run concurrently with the golf series.

KCB Group Director Marketing and Communication Rosalind Gichuru said: “We have always been passionate about women. Through our golf series, we are excited to reach budding lady golfers who have shown dedication and a strong determination to improve their skills. For this reason, we have made a commitment to incorporate ladies-only tournaments in our tour. The Royal Nairobi Golf Club event is the second event we are hosting following the successful Vetlab edition. We will also be hosting another one at Sigona.”

The series has traversed Kakamega, Kisumu, Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu counties where 10 teams have booked a slot in the upcoming grand finale Pro-Am event slated for November this year at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi.

Outside Kenya, Burundi has also held its leg while Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda are still yet to host their tournaments in the 8-month-long series that has so far enhanced the sport giving an opportunity to women and juniors to participate in various tournaments.

Unlike the previous legs, we will not be having teams qualifying for the grand finale on Saturday. However, there will be a ladies’ and juniors’ clinic on Sunday as the bank continues with its efforts to support the next generation of golfers.

“Golf has been a sport that has largely been dominated by men. We are happy because KCB is continuously demystifying that perception through the opportunities granted to women and juniors to participate in the series. We urge other corporate entities to do the same so that we can build the next generation of golfers who will compete at global events,” said tournament convener Rita Waruinge.

The Tour will then head to the Great Rift Valley Lodge on September 2^nd for its 12^th leg.