The 2024 Magical Kenya Open has received a timely Sh34m boost from Kenya Breweries Limited ahead of Thursday’s tee-off at Muthaiga Golf Club.
The sponsorship makes East Africa Breweries the official alcoholic beverage partner of the tournament. It will also help tournament organisers, the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL), meet their operational costs and the prize money.
EABL will also sponsor three of the Kenyan pro in the tournament; Dismas Indiza, Samuel Njoroge and Daniel Nduva.
This year’s edition marks the fifth staging of a full European Tour event in Kenya since it was added to the elite series in 2019.
It has attracted 144 elite golfers from Kenya and around the world who will battle for a Sh360m prize purse.
KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti said: “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.”
“We are 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 said the sponsorship will ensure delivery of a successful tournament.
“This sponsorship will assist in meeting our obligations. 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 favourite golfers,” said Meru.
The Kenyan contingent at the tournament has of Indiza, Greg Snow, Mike Kisia, Mohit Mediratta, Njoroge, 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 it.
The regional qualifiers are Zimbabwean Visitor Mapwanya and Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo and David Kamulindwa.
The eight local pros and two regional golfers will be joined by amateurs John Lejirma, Deaflympics bronze medalist Isaac Makokha, Africa’s second-best hitter Michael Karanga, Josphat Rono and Taimur Malik.
