Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-31 16:45:15
The prize money for the upcoming Magical Kenya Open, which is scheduled to take place from February 22 to 25 at Muthaiga Golf Club, has significantly increased. Last year’s Open had a total prize purse of Sh250,000,000, with the winner, Spain’s Jorge Campillo, taking home $340,000. However, the prize fund for this year’s event has been raised to $2.5 million (Sh405,000,000), with 156 golfers set to battle it out for the substantial rewards.
During the launch of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open at Vipingo Ridge, which is set to take place before the main event, CS Ababu Namwamba expressed the government’s support and sponsorship for both tournaments. He emphasized the value that these events bring to the country and its potential for showcasing Kenya to the world.
Namwamba also highlighted the global viewership of last year’s Magical Kenya Open, with over 500 million people watching the event from different parts of the world. He noted that the tournament is the only DP World Tour event in this part of Africa and is expected to attract even more viewership this year.
The CS expressed gratitude to the corporates that have been supporting these major events as well as other sporting activities in the country. He also mentioned that the government is working on incentives for corporates that support sports in Kenya and encouraged continued support for sports development from the private sector.
The Chairman of the Kenya Golf Federation, Peter Kiguru, announced that 14 Kenyan golfers, including six amateurs and three regional players, will participate in the Magical Kenya Open. Additionally, five Kenyan ladies will compete with over 120 others from around the world during the Magical Kenya Ladies Open at the Baobab Course Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County from February 7.
Kenya Open Golf Limited’s Peter Kanyago revealed that the Magical Kenya Open will be presented by ABSA, with other corporate sponsors including EABL, Safaricom, Coca-Cola, and Toyota Kenya, who will be offering a car for a hole-in-one. He also stated that the event will kick off with the Pro-Am on Wednesday, February 21, with participants paying Sh40,000 to play in the event.
Overall, the increased prize money and the strong support from the government and corporate sponsors have raised the profile of the Magical Kenya Open and the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, showcasing Kenya’s commitment to the sport and its potential as a global golfing destination.
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