Az Ogola takes a shot at the KCB Amerucan Golf Day. [Courtesy of Standard] East African golfers have reason to smile as the circuit has been expanded to 30 rounds before the start next month. Last season there were 24 matches.
The series has been expanded to five countries this year, up from four last season, with Burundi joining the new block. Speaking at the announcement ceremony for this year’s tournament, KCB Group treasurer Anthony Mulisa said: “This move (Burundi’s inclusion) reaffirms our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering regional unity and promoting golf as a driver of social and economic development.
We are delighted that the Tour continues to evolve as a platform for amateur development, inclusivity and regional cooperation. Our goal is to grow the sport and our brand ‘For the People.
For the best’,” Murisa added. In addition to Burundi, this year’s prestigious regional golf festivals will be held in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Locally, 16 countries will be visiting the tournament, up from 15 that participated last year. The tournament has also received Sh80 million sponsorship from KCB Bank to boost its performance.
The tournament will kick off at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club on February 1. Competition will then take place in Mombasa, Nairobi, Trans Nzoia, Kiambu, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, Nyeri, Keriho, Machakos, Kisumu, Kisii, Laikipia and Nandi. The best team at the end of each stage will qualify for the grand finale of the tour to be held on December 5. From left to right: Kenya Golf Federation president Philip Ochola, KCB Group treasurer Anthony Murisa, Kenya Women’s Golf Union representative Rosemary Mukoku, vice president; and David Ndungu, Kenya Golf Union president. [The winning team of the series will receive Sh1 million to support a sustainability project of the club’s choice.
The team will also get the opportunity to play in a prestigious golf competition in Kenya to be announced later in the year, with amateur competition on Saturdays and junior competition on Sundays. Caddie tournaments will also be organized at selected golf clubs.
The series will also continue its sustainability program by planting 1.5 million trees to support the development of eco-friendly LPG solutions. Meanwhile, the bank has launched a multi-currency prepaid card in partnership with MasterCard.
It is the only card with the largest number of currencies, designed to meet the diverse needs of discerning customers and offer a cost-effective way to manage international transactions.
